THE CHIEFS FACE DEFENSIVE CHANGES: Leo Chenal Leaves for Washington, and Kansas City Eyes Linebacker Replacements in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs are already seeing significant changes to their defense early in the offseason. After a season that featured multiple defensive departures, the latest piece to leave is linebacker Leo Chenal, who has signed a reported three-year deal with the Washington Commanders. His departure, along with a few defensive backs also moving on, marks the next phase in the Chiefs’ ongoing defensive reshaping.

A Familiar Offseason Scenario for the Chiefs: Rebuilding the Defense Again

Rebuilding a defense has become a familiar offseason task for Kansas City, and this year is no different. The Chiefs have proven that they can revamp their defense in a critical season, and now they find themselves in a similar position. Despite these changes, the Chiefs are poised to remain competitive, thanks in part to the leadership of their top linebacker duo, Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill, who remain the pillars of the linebacking corps.

While these two veteran linebackers will continue to lead the charge, the loss of Chenal, a versatile and dynamic player, raises the question of how Kansas City will replace him. Will the Chiefs look for another linebacker through free agency, or is their answer already written in the stars of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft? It seems more likely that the team will focus on the draft to find Chenal’s replacement, especially given the promising linebacker class this year.

The Exciting 2026 Linebacker Draft Class: A Deep Pool of Talent

This year’s linebacker draft class is drawing considerable attention, and for good reason. Typically, linebacker classes can lack depth, but 2026 offers a rare opportunity for teams like Kansas City to find impactful players early. With that in mind, here are four standout draft prospects that could step into the Chiefs’ defense and help fill the void left by Chenal’s departure.

1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech: A Turnover Machine with Impressive Instincts

Jacob Rodriguez has been a fan favorite throughout the draft process, with many experts highlighting him as one of the most intriguing linebacker prospects this year. His ability to make plays on the ball is particularly impressive, as he has demonstrated consistent ball production as a turnover machine. Rodriguez’s knack for punching the ball out of opposing players’ hands, along with his ability to snag interceptions and break up passes, makes him a dynamic player who could thrive in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive system.

Despite concerns about his size and play strength, Rodriguez showed his athleticism at the Scouting Combine, alleviating some doubts about his physicality. With his relentless pursuit of the ball and his high football IQ, Rodriguez could bring some of the same attributes that made Chenal so valuable to the Chiefs. Adding a player like Rodriguez would provide Kansas City with a versatile, high-energy linebacker capable of making an impact in multiple facets of the game.

2. Jake Golday, Cincinnati: A Versatile, Explosive Threat with a Strong Physical Presence

Jake Golday, another linebacker prospect, offers a unique set of tools that could appeal to the Chiefs. Golday’s ability to play both off-ball linebacker and as a defender near the line of scrimmage gives him excellent versatility. While he might not line up in a three- or four-point stance as often as Chenal, his explosiveness and length make him an intriguing option for Kansas City. Golday has been used in a variety of roles at Cincinnati, including as a wide, overhang defender, which demonstrates his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes.

Golday’s mix of strength and size provides the Chiefs with a physical presence at linebacker that could help replicate some of the blitzing ability Chenal brought to the table. While he might not excel in coverage, his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and bring pressure could make him a key asset for Spagnuolo’s defense. If Kansas City is looking for a linebacker who can both rush the passer and stick his nose in the trenches, Golday could be the right fit.

3. Kyle Louis, Pitt: A High-Upside Player with Incredible Range and Athleticism

Kyle Louis stands out as a linebacker who may not immediately fill the same role as Chenal but offers a different set of attributes that could complement Kansas City’s defensive scheme. Louis has incredible range and athleticism, which allows him to cover large areas of the field. He can chase down ball carriers and offer potential as a second-level blitzer, making him a versatile asset for Spagnuolo.

Unlike Chenal, Louis is not likely to be used in a traditional inside linebacker role. However, his ability to play multiple positions and create mismatches on the field makes him a valuable piece for the Chiefs. Louis’ athleticism and ability to shine in one-on-one matchups against opposing skill players, as seen during his standout performances at the Senior Bowl, could make him a formidable weapon for Kansas City’s defense.

4. Taurean York, Texas A&M: A Smart, Play-Recognizing Linebacker with Leadership Potential

Taurean York may not be the biggest linebacker prospect in this draft, but his football intelligence and play recognition skills make him a standout. Known for his ability to read plays and communicate pre-snap, York brings a level of preparation and mental toughness that coaches love. Texas A&M’s defenders often relied on York to align properly and adjust accordingly, which speaks to his leadership and understanding of the game.

York is a downhill player who excels at shedding blocks and defending the run, making him a solid option for Kansas City if they are looking to add a linebacker who can take on those responsibilities. While he may not have the same physical traits as some of the other prospects, his ability to analyze the game and his tenacious style of play make him an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs. York could develop into a solid linebacker for the future, and his play recognition might eventually make him a replacement for Bolton in the long run.

The Chiefs’ Next Move: Can They Replace Chenal with One of These Linebackers?

With Leo Chenal now officially off to the Washington Commanders, the Chiefs are left with the task of replacing a versatile linebacker who contributed in multiple ways. As Kansas City continues to fine-tune its defense, the upcoming draft will likely be their opportunity to add a new linebacker who can fill the void left by Chenal. Whether they opt for the instinctive Jacob Rodriguez, the versatile Jake Golday, the athletic Kyle Louis, or the intelligent Taurean York, one thing is certain: the Chiefs’ linebacker group is in good hands, with a bright future ahead.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be crucial for Kansas City as they look to continue building a defense that can keep up with the high-flying offense led by Patrick Mahomes. As the Chiefs aim to remain contenders, adding the right linebacker to the fold will be essential to ensuring that their defense remains as formidable as their offense.