The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason is going to be a fascinating watch for a host of reasons.
The biggest one is how the franchise approaches it after missing out on the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era.
For most, the Chiefs can't run it back with the same roster. Improvements are needed on both sides of the ball, and that means spending in free agency to bring in quality players.
But it also means retaining key pieces.
And CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles has named linebacker Leo Chenal as the Chiefs' urgent free agent priority.
"Leo Chenal wasn't as good as he was in 2023 and 2024, though that can be said of many Chiefs players," Pereles wrote. "Still, he's a homegrown 25-year-old who has turned into a solid starter -- at the very least -- after being picked outside the top 100. He shouldn't break the bank for the cash-strapped Chiefs, either."
More: ESPN analyst uses famous Aaron Rodgers quote to describe Chiefs' 2026 chances
Can Chiefs afford Chenal to return?
Finding a quality linebacker who is as consistent as Chenal is a tough task in the NFL, and the Chiefs know what he can bring to the defense. Not to mention special teams as well.
Money will be a factor here, but it looks to be more affordable than some think, with Spotrac.com having his market value at just $4.6 million APY. That'll do.
With many holes on the offensive side that need fixing, the Chiefs can't forget about their defense, which also struggled in 2025.
Bringing back Chenal looks to be an easy decision for the Chiefs, as they look to bounce back from a horror season and reemerge as a Super Bowl contender.
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