The problem with being a Super Bowl contender year-in and year-out is that it makes keeping talent much more difficult. The Kansas City Chiefs know this situation all too well and will be tasked with yet another offseason filled with difficult free-agent decisions.
Two key pending free agents for the Chiefs are linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Jaylen Watson, both of whom ended up in Kristopher Knox of _Bleacher Report_'s [top 10 free agents for 2026](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25275549-2026-nfl-free-agency-rankings-after-trade-deadline). Knox put Chenal at ninth and Watson at eighth and listed his contract projections for both players.
For Chenal, Knox projected a three-year deal worth $30 million and stated that, _**"Because he hasn't been an every-down linebacker—even if the potential is there—Chenal may have a limited market and isn't likely to land a top-of-the-market contract. His deal will probably come in significantly lower than teammate Nick Bolton's recent three-year, $45 million deal. However, he will interest teams that need to improve their run defense."**_
For Watson, Knox projected he'd earn a three-year deal worth $49 million while detailing his injury last year but solid performance. _**"Watson has been reliable again this season and only turned 27 in September. He should get second-tier starter money on the open market."**_
Chiefs will have tough decision to make on Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson
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The tough decision here is mostly going to revolve around Chenal, as the Chiefs famously don't extend their cornerbacks. They traded L'Jarius Sneed two years ago and while fans hope the team will change their tune and extend Trent McDuffie, Watson won't be someone the team considers keeping around.
As for Chenal, however, perhaps there could be a way to keep him. As Knox stated, he'll have a limited market and won't get top-tier money. He is good against the run though and has come in clutch for the the Chiefs since joining them as a third-round pick in 2022. Teams will definitely be interested in bringing him in if he and the Chiefs can't work something out.
In a perfect world, the Chiefs would be able to re-sign both guys but this isn't a perfect world. There's a solid chance that both Chenal and Watson are wearing different uniforms in 2026 and beyond and that's something Chiefs fans have to prepare themselves for.