The Kansas City Chiefs have generally valued their linebackers higher than most teams. Brett Veach paid Anthony Hitchens very handsomely as one of his first-ever free agent signings. Nick Bolton was the team's first draft choice in a year when Kansas City did not possess a first-round pick. How and why they utilize their linebackers can be extremely succinct, depending on the player. It is a case-by-case attack for the Chiefs' linebackers when it comes to snap counts and roles.
Leo Chenal is entering a key season for both Kansas City's defense and his early NFL career. 2025 is the final year of his rookie deal. If the Chiefs use him similarly to last year, he could be boxed in with a simple responsibility on the linebacker depth chart. But if they give him increased opportunities this upcoming year, Chenal could see plenty of interest on the open market next offseason.
Where linebacker contracts stand for Kansas City
Nick Bolton is the signal-caller on the defense and a top captain on the team. Therefore, it was not shocking to see the Chiefs re-sign him this offseason. The contract terms were heavily debated among Chiefs fans. Yet Steve Spagnuolo and the Kansas City coaching staff trust Bolton as much as anyone. That is the best reason as to why he returned on the deal that he did.
Bolton will hold an average salary of $15 million per season on this new deal. $30 million are guaranteed over the life of the three-year agreement, via Spotrac.
As for Drue Tranquill, he is signed through 2026. Kansas City does have the opportunity to utilize an out clause next offseason before that 2026 regular season. If they were to take the out in that deal, the Chiefs would only be hit with a minimal $1.5 million in dead cap money, according to Spotrac. Every other linebacker contract is slight for the Chiefs when looking at the payouts.
Looking at the Chiefs' LB position battles
The Chiefs drafted a linebacker on day three of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeffrey Bassa is a name who Kansas City traded up for in the fifth round, likely surprised he was still available. After four years at the University of Oregon, Bassa is already turning heads internally within the Chiefs' building. He will be an intriguing player to watch during the course of his rookie season.
Elsewhere, the Chiefs added to their linebacker room further with a couple of undrafted free agent signings. Brandon George (Pitt) and Cooper McDonald (TCU) will get opportunities to prove themselves in training camp. If they make things interesting, it will indeed increase how invested K.C. is at linebacker over other franchises. Plus, Leo Chenal would face added pressure, if he wants to see his snap count go up in 2025.
Leo Chenal's potential for 2025
Leo Chenal is deployed in a variety of ways for Spagnuolo's defense. Overall, he can set the edge firmly, while helping immensely against the run. Chenal has also been able to flash as a secondary blitzer on occasion. He is someone who has proved that he will not be a complete liability in pass coverage, either. That element is vital for the Kansas City defense, as currently constructed.
Chenal is potentially going to see the same role in 2025 as he did last year. He can play close to the line of scrimmage while also chipping in with a high motor when out in space. Though, will Chenal see a major uptick in snaps during his contract year?
He played 497 snaps in 2024, including playoffs, according to Football Guys. He only saw 30 or more snaps in an individual game on a handful of occasions last year. Meanwhile, Tranquill logged 902 snaps, with Bolton topping him at 1,076, with playoffs included. If teams attack the Chiefs' defense with more of a running, physical approach, that could help Chenal climb over that 500-snap threshold.
How 2025 could affect Leo Chenal's NFL future
Given the many hats that Chenal wears within the linebacker room, the Chiefs will likely hope to retain him beyond 2025. His playing style is a component that can give the team momentum on both defense and special teams. Most notably, his steady development as a young player to this point will increase the odds of Kansas City wanting to re-sign him.
In terms of the other linebackers, Tranquill is set to turn 30 years old this August. So if K.C. keeps him in the fold for 2026, that would already be his age-31 season. In recent history, the Chiefs have been rather stingy when leaning on players over the age of 30 in a key role.
The Chiefs also have to think that Chenal's toughness and edge-setting ability against the run would be massive to still have in their room. If opponents look to take it to them physically, along with the current cyclical nature of the league leading to the ground game, his possible future role in Kansas City remains refined.
But if the Chiefs cannot retain Chenal, you would have to think that numerous teams would be interested in adding him next offseason. If you look at some of the top linebackers available in 2026, Chenal would not necessarily break your bank as a signing, to boot.