THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS OFFSEASON: HOW THE TEAM MUST PRIORITIZE LEO CHENAL AMID REBUILDING EFFORTS

🚨 A SEASON OF FIRSTS AND A NEW DIRECTION AHEAD: The 2025 NFL season was a wake-up call for the Kansas City Chiefs, as they missed out on the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. For a franchise that has enjoyed consistent success and postseason appearances over the past several years, this is a moment that signals the need for change. The question now becomes how the Chiefs will approach their offseason to ensure they bounce back stronger in 2026.

For most, it’s clear that running it back with the same roster simply won’t cut it. The Chiefs will need to focus on improving their roster on both sides of the ball—an effort that will undoubtedly involve spending in free agency to bring in high-quality players. But with so many gaps to fill, they also face the challenge of retaining key pieces to maintain the chemistry and structure that has propelled them to the top in recent years.

One player whose return should be a top priority for the Chiefs is linebacker Leo Chenal. CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles has identified Chenal as an urgent free agent priority for Kansas City. Given that the Chiefs are looking to rebuild their roster, keeping hold of the talented linebacker could be crucial to the team’s defensive efforts moving forward.

LEO CHENAL: A KEY PIECE IN THE DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

In his analysis, Pereles acknowledges that Leo Chenal didn’t have quite the same level of impact in 2025 as he did in the previous two seasons. That said, this dip in performance wasn’t unique to Chenal—many players on the team struggled with consistency throughout the season. Despite this, Pereles remains high on the linebacker, pointing out that Chenal has developed into a solid starter since being drafted outside the top 100 picks.

Chenal, at just 25 years old, represents a homegrown talent that the Chiefs have nurtured through their system. His youth and experience make him an asset that the team can continue to develop, while his versatility as a linebacker and special teams contributor adds significant value. The Chiefs have seen what he can bring to the table, and with their current roster needs, retaining him should be an easy decision.

CAN THE CHIEFS AFFORD TO KEEP LEO CHENAL?

The question remains: Can the Chiefs afford to bring Chenal back? With the salary cap being a constant consideration, especially for a team that’s spent a lot on Patrick Mahomes and other key players, the Chiefs will need to carefully manage their finances. Fortunately, Chenal’s market value is more affordable than many would expect. According to Spotrac.com, his projected market value is around $4.6 million per year—a relatively reasonable cost for a player of his caliber.

This figure is far more manageable than many might anticipate, especially considering the cap constraints Kansas City faces. As the Chiefs aim to fill numerous offensive holes, they mustn’t neglect their defense—which also had its fair share of struggles in 2025. The decision to bring Chenal back looks like a logical one, as he can continue to provide steady contributions both in the linebacker room and on special teams, where he’s already proven his worth.

WHY CHENAL’S RETURN IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CHIEFS

Looking ahead, the Chiefs have a lot of work to do if they want to return to Super Bowl contention. They can’t afford to leave any stone unturned, especially in terms of retaining players who provide consistent leadership and production. Chenal may not be the flashiest player on the roster, but he’s proven to be a solid, reliable option who can step up when needed. And given the Chiefs’ needs on defense, losing a player like him could set them back further in their rebuild.

It’s clear that Leo Chenal is one of the most cost-effective and important players for the Chiefs this offseason. The front office needs to make sure they secure his return before moving on to other big roster decisions. With Chenal in the fold, Kansas City can continue to build on its strong defensive foundation and set the stage for a successful 2026 campaign.

As the Chiefs look to bounce back from a disappointing season, keeping Chenal should be at the top of their list. With a new look offense and upgraded defense, Kansas City could be poised to reemerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender once again.