The Kansas City Chiefs have no shortage of upcoming free agency decisions, with a list of key contributors getting ready to hit the market. Among the most confounding decisions facing the franchise is the future of linebacker Leo Chenal. The defender is coming off a solid but inconsistent season, which makes projecting his future a clear headache. On one hand, you hate to lose the proven production, and on the other, you risk overpaying one player when Nick Bolton is already being paid handsomely at the same position.
Adding to the difficulty of the decision is the fact that Chenal is projected to make at least $4.6 million in free agency, according to Spotrac. This is well over a $3 million raise in an offseason in which the Chiefs will be forced to pinch pennies and make difficult decisions to create the space to make needed additions. To put it simply, the Chiefs appear to lose no matter the direction they go. Kansas City either loses Chenal or risks being unable to replace his production.
Chenal offered a trio of sacks from the linebacker position, but managed just 31 tackles. Those low production totals, to go along with being a limited pass defender. It is easy to make either case for the direction the Chiefs should take with Chenal's future, pointing to the frustration with the decision. Still, Kansas City must come to a decision sooner rather than later.
Chiefs Appear Uncertain on What to Do with Leo Chenal After Uneven 2025 Season
Chenal can give any Chiefs fan a headache as they dive into the numbers, cap space, and attempt to decipher the best move. Steve Spanuolo's defense is coming off a great season limiting teams to only 19.3 points a game. This makes it hard to argue against keeping the core intact. However, the counter to this is pointing out the past great seasons the coordinator has offered with a variety of casts and a revolving door at the linebacker and corner positions.
The best move might be to close the book on several key contributors, including Chenal, and turn your attention to free agent and draft additions. Kansas City badly needs excitement and a fresh perspective after the epic failures of 2025. While the defense was doing all the heavy lifting, it is hard to completely embrace Chenal, as the linebacker benefited greatly from playing under Spagnuolo and with a talented position group.
No question, it will be an interesting decision for GM Brett Veach and a front office under the most pressure they have seen in recent memory. There is no margin for error as the cost of a dynastic roster has grown, heightening expectations. One aspect of this is Chenal's free agency and a decision that remains a bit of a frustration as we go deeper into the offseason.