The Kansas City Chiefs are attempting to become the first NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships.
Last season, the Chiefs’ defense earned a lot of praise for winning their second consecutive Super Bowl. It will be fascinating to see how their defense performs in 2024, after two players, including their linebacker, left for free agency.
The Kansas City Chiefs linebacker departed in free agency
Willie Gay Jr. has signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Gay spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs, starting 47 regular-season games and nine postseason games.
The Chiefs will miss him, but they should not be concerned about their linebacker tandem, with their third-round pick taking on a larger role next season.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 3rd-round pick should have a bigger role in 2024
Chenal played little in his rookie season, accounting for 23% of defensive snaps in 17 games and eight starts. He totaled 35 tackles, three TFLs, and one sack. He also recorded six tackles, one TFL, and one sack (on Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl) in three playoff games.
Chenal’s role grew in his second season, with his snap count rising from 23% to 41% in 17 games and 10 starts. He totaled 65 tackles, eight TFLs, and three sacks. He also recorded 15 tackles, one TFL, and one forced fumble (on Christian McCaffrey in the Super Bowl) in four playoff games.
Their linebacker is convinced that Chenal will take the next step.
Nick Bolton has confidence in Leo Chenal
“We’ve all seen Leo’s physicality in just sample sizes up to this point,” said Bolton, “so I’m definitely excited for him to take the next step. Especially in the back half of the season — when I wasn’t playing as much — he played a heck of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles [and] he came out and played versus the Los Angeles Chargers when a lot of guys were down. He stepped up big. I’m excited for him.”
