The Kansas City Chiefs lost linebacker Leo Chenal in free agency, as the Washington Commanders handed the defender a three-year deal worth $24.75 million. This is a major loss of production with Chenal providing 31 tackles and a trio of sacks in 2025, turning up the pressure on one veteran contributor moving towards the 2026 season. Drue Tranquill is coming off a strong season, offering 80 tackles and a pair of sacks, but he struggled in pass coverage, giving up a passer rating of 121.5 when targeted, per Pro Football Reference.
Tranquill played 110 pass coverage snaps, making it clear that this wasn't a small sample size. This led the veteran to rework his deal with the Chiefs and left expectations of improvement heading into next season. Kansas City is counting on this, with Nick Bolton and Tranquill expected to be the team's starting duo.
An interesting wrinkle sitting in the middle of this is the fact that Jeffrey Bassa is the team's second option behind Tranquill. The Chiefs have high hopes for the linebacker, making it all the clearer that Tranquill's consistency must improve, with the Chiefs having an interesting second option, even if Tranquill is clearly the team's first choice.
Chiefs offseason decisions putting a great deal of trust in Drew Tranquill's improvement
Kansas City clearly needs a force in the middle of the field that can be relied on both in coverage and to attack the run. Tranquill is at his best when he's allowed to play the middle aggressively and get downhill, attacking the ball carrier or quarterback. Where improvement must be found is at least giving KC a fighting chance when it comes to coverage.
If there isn't a clear progression here, there will be reason to question if the franchise made a mistake parting ways with Chenal. As expensive as a re-signing might have been, it will look far more tempting if Tranquill doesn't make the expected improvements.
From Tranquill's perspective, if the veteran can find a way to put together a great 2026 season with only one year and $3.5 million remaining on his deal, he would earn a payday either from the Chiefs or a new landing spot in free agency.
No question, Tranquill has had heavy expectations put on his shoulders with the Chiefs looking to fill a number of holes from losses in free agency. The veteran needs to deliver for Steve Spagnuolo's defense to be at its best, and the loss of Chenal not to age as a mistake.
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