3 Former Chiefs Regretting Leaving Kansas City at Halfway Point of Season

2. Willie Gay Jr.

Like Sneed, the Chiefs selected Willie Gay Jr. in the 2020 NFL draft. Gay, however, was selected with the 63rd pick in the second round. In his four seasons with the Chiefs, Gay had 233 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and four interceptions.

Gay's best season was the 2022 season when he gathered 88 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. That campaign, Gay earned his best grades in pass rush (75.0) and pass coverage (73.2) from PFF.

While Gay wasn't the most complete linebacker, he and fellow linebacker Nick Bolton were a great tandem. Despite that, the Chiefs decided to move on from Gay in favor of 2022 third-round draft pick Leo Chenal.

Gay signed a one-year $3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints this offseason. So far this season, Gay has 18 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. While those aren't spectacular numbers, Gay has at least cleaned up his tackling, only logging two missed tackles during the season.

Though Gay wouldn't have kept his starting spot in Kansas City if he stayed, being a backup for the best team in the NFL isn't a bad gig. Especially after how fast the Saints' season flipped due to injuries after starting 2-0.

If Gay had stayed with the Chiefs as a backup he might be on his way to a fourth Super Bowl. Instead, like Sneed, Gay is on a team that isn't likely to make the playoffs.