Earlier this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs locked up linebacker Nick Bolton with a big-time deal. Now, another hard-hitting, blue-collar defender is lining himself up for a massive payday after this season.
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) reacts during the second half against Houston Texans in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Bolton’s three-year, $45 million extension made him the fifth-highest-paid linebacker in the league on an average annual salary. Only Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds, and Zack Baun are earning more per year (he’s tied with Jamien Sherwood).
Next in line to cash in may be fellow linebacker Leo Chenal.
A third-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2022, Chenal has always thrived as an underdog. He was just a three-star recruit coming out of high school but he clawed his way onto the field as a freshman and never looked back. By his junior year, he posted monster numbers—114 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. The guy was everywhere.
While he hasn’t posted eye-popping stats quite like that in the NFL yet, he’s steadily become one of the most reliable pieces on Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Last season was Chenal’s breakout year. He earned an 81.6 grade from Pro Football Focus—good for sixth-best among all qualified linebackers in the league and higher than both Bolton and Drue Tranquill. In fact, it was the third-highest mark on the entire Chiefs defense.
That marked the third-straight season his PFF grade has improved, a streak he hopes to keep alive in 2025.
His impact went beyond just the tape. He set career highs in passes defended (3), forced fumbles (3), and quarterback pressures (13)—the second-most of any linebacker on the team. That’s impressive for a guy still largely labeled as a “run-stopper.”
But that label might not stick for long.
Chenal took a big step forward in pass coverage last season, rounding out his game and showing he’s more than just a thumper in the middle. If he can keep that momentum going in 2025 and earn more snaps in passing situations, the complete-package label might finally fit.
Right now, he’s on the books for a modest $3.6 million in 2025—the final year of his rookie deal. All bets are off after that.
With over $26 million already committed to Bolton and Tranquill (they could save $6 million by cutting Tranquill), Kansas City might not have the wiggle room to keep Chenal around. But if he puts together another strong year, someone’s going to pay him big.
He’s bet on himself since Day 1. And this season, Chenal could finally hit the jackpot.
