3 Underrated Chiefs Who Earned Contract Extensions
By Joe Summers
3. Leo Chenal - LB
Outside of Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie, Leo Chenal may have been the Chiefs' best defender on the night. He's only in his second year, so he's got two years left under contract, but the growth he's shown this season has been spectacular.
Chenal finished with six tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked extra-point, a play that proved vital as it allowed Kansas City to kick a field goal to force overtime instead of needing a TD in regulation.
Leo Chenal: the highest-graded player in Super Bowl 58 (92.0) 🌟 pic.twitter.com/TkL8PYjzOy
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) February 12, 2024
With Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. both facing free agency, Chenal feels like the kind of linebacker that can lead the room moving forward.
I'd guess the Chiefs find a way to keep one of Bolton or Gay, though you have to feel great about Chenal stepping into a larger role next year.
Leo Chenal taking George Kittle to task to set the edge on Deebo's handoff. The defense keyed on these motions and was extremely sound in these moments. Great coaching and execution pic.twitter.com/4fnZWGQml1
— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) February 12, 2024
He routinely disrupted 49ers' plays and handled George Kittle, who is an excellent blocker, seemingly with ease all night long. This is the second consecutive Super Bowl that Chenal played well in, and it looks like Brett Veach nailed yet another draft pick.
Given Chenal still has two years left on his rookie deal, it's unlikely he signs an extension this offseason. Nonetheless, his playoff performance likely ensures he'll be in Kansas City for the long haul.
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