One of the yearly predicaments the Kansas City Chiefs encounter is deciding who to retain and who to let walk. NFL dynasties throughout history were built on tough decisions and wise spending. Unless you’re the Philadelphia Eagles, running things back with insane levels of investment from ownership isn’t a proven formula.
A 2025-26 example on Kansas City’s roster is linebacker Leo Chenal. The former third-round pick is on the final year of his rookie contract. With free agency potentially looming, no extension talks have been reported.
Leo Chenal Not Thinking Too Hard About Contract Year
How much does a second NFL contract weigh on Chenal’s mind? Following Thursday’s training camp practice, he shared his thoughts. Right now, the 24-year-old is imply focused on doing his best and letting the rest unfold.
“Yeah, I mean, I try to keep my mind off of it as best you can, that can become an unnecessary stress on yourself and on your shoulders,” Chenal said. “I just look at, you know, still being selfless, doing what I can for the team. I’m not trying to do too much, still do my job, and do what I can, but at the same time growing and get better.”
It’s been a slow-burn to recognition for Chenal. After playing 261 defensive snaps as a rookie, that number spiked to 443 in 2023-24. While he logged just two more snaps this past season than his junior campaign, the difference he made for the Chiefs was massive. Chenal’s year-over-year growth was evident.
Playing all 17 regular-season games, Chenal amassed 60 tackles (4 for loss) with three passes broken up and three forced fumbles. He was Pro Football Focus‘ 11th-graded linebacker overall, their sixth-highest player in run defense grade and their No. 14 coverage player at the position. That’s in addition to doing things like sealing games with blocked kicks on special teams.
The latter component is a huge part of Chenal’s game. It could earn him a significant chunk of change next spring. He hopes he can continue to provide value in the third phase this year.
“It’s huge,” Chenal said. “Obviously, I’m not, you know, an every down linebacker for the most part, you know? I got a certain percentage of snaps, and I’m obviously looking to extend that, but you know, I want to play what I’m playing, I want to be the best of what I can be. Whether it’s punt, kickoff return, SAM linebacker, filling in for buck. Whatever it is, like we’ve got a good core unit of guys that have been here now on special teams that are leaders, and you know, we’re looking to be better and better. And obviously we’ve got coach [Dave] Toub, who’s a legend, so just continue to climb the mountain.”
Assessing Chiefs’ Linebacker Group Entering 2025 Season
Despite his impact, Chenal is the Chiefs’ third linebacker in the pecking order. He’s the SAM to Nick Bolton‘s MIKE and Drue Tranquill‘s WILL roles. Naturally, that job simply doesn’t require him to be on the field as often. Still, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of football’s best minds. He’ll get Chenal in the lineup as often as possible. When that isn’t the case, Kansas City is still in good hands.
Bolton, who was re-signed earlier this year, is the leader of the defense. Spagnuolo believes he’s the Patrick Mahomes of that side of the ball. The league sees him as a top linebacker. Tranquill is a near-perfect complement for him. His range and versatility allows Bolton to do what he does best: put everyone in the right spots. Throw in Chenal, and you’ve got a do-it-all three-headed monster.
Elsewhere, there’s some nice depth. Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones and Cole Christiansen are all known to eat up snaps as needed. The latter is a practice squad ace. One of them could find themselves off the roster in favor of rookie Jeffrey Bassa. Bassa, a fifth-round pick back in April, gives the Chiefs a developmental piece to work with.
Chenal flies under the radar at times, but he’s worth a lot to the defense. How that translates to dollars and cents comes down to this season.
