Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst
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General manager Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Lambeau Field on November 02, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers head into the 2026 NFL offseason with just one goal in mind. They are all-in on pursuing Super Bowl contention for next season.
In order to accomplish that goal and reach the top of the NFC, the Packers are going to need to be aggressive.
While Green Bay doesn’t need to spend millions and millions of dollars, it does need to make a few specific improvements. The front office will also have to make some tough decisions on its own free agents.
One key free agent from the Packers’ defense this offseason is former first-round linebacker Quay Walker. He is widely expected to leave Green Bay. Assuming that happens, the team will need to move quickly to find his replacement.
Keeping that in mind, the Packers have been linked to potentially poaching a two-time Super Bowl champion from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Green Bay Packers Could Poach Chiefs Linebacker Leo Chenal
The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman has taken a look at potential free agency targets for Green Bay this offseason. Chenal was on his list of possible linebacker options.
“Chenal is a versatile chess piece who can wear multiple hats, able to play off the ball, on the edge and even on the interior in certain packages,” Schneidman wrote.
“He can rush the passer, defend the run and play in coverage. He has good closing speed in space as a tackler, and he is excellent moving sideline to sideline while defending stretch runs, flat routes and bootlegs. Fit and usage will be important to Chenal’s success.”
Chenal, who played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers, would make a lot of sense for the Packers. He wouldn’t break the bank to sign and he has been a key role player on one of the best dynasties in recent NFL history.
At the very least, he’s worth taking a look at.
What Would Leo Chenal Bring to the Packers’ Defense?
Last season with the Chiefs, Chenal played in 14 games. He racked up 58 total tackles to go along with two sacks, an interception, and two defended passes.
Throughout his entire four-year NFL career thus far, the 25-year-old linebacker has totaled 218 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, and six defended passes in 65 games.
Chenal could be a long-term option for Green Bay. He is still young with more upside than he has been able to show in Kansas City. With the Packers, he could truly unlock his full potential and become one of the NFL’s elite inside linebackers.
Spotrac has also projected what kind of money it would take for Green Bay to sign Chenal. They have suggested that his market value is around $4.6 million per year. A three-year, nearly $14 million contract could do the trick for the Packers.
Only time will tell whether or not Green Bay actually has interest in Chenal. He would make a lot of sense as a replacement for Walker and is a name worth monitoring closely for the Packers.