While the Kansas City Chiefs have added considerable talent at positions of need in the early hours of free agency's legal tampering period, the truth is that they've also taken some considerable hits, especially on the defensive side. On Tuesday, the losses came in the second level with the news that Leo Chenal was headed to the nation's capital.
The Washington Commanders have reached an agreement with Chenal on a three-year deal worth up to $24.75M for the linebacker's services, per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.
Chenal joined the Chiefs as a former third-round pick and grew into the ultimate chess piece for Steve Spagnuolo's defenses. From incredible game-changing plays on special teams—such as this blocked field goal to beat the Denver Broncos in 2024—to his ability to shed blockers and snuff out a team's hopes in the ground game, Chenal was deployed all over the field. In the last year, he'd become better in coverage, and Chenal has always held his own as a blitzer.
The Chiefs took a hit to the second level of the defense with the news that Leo Chenal is headed to Washington.
In his four-year career with the Chiefs, Chenal has 218 career tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 7 sacks, 6 pass deflections, and 1 interception in 65 games. He's proven to be incredibly reliable in his tenure as well, with only three total games missed. Chenal also comes with two Super Bowl rings to his name, and that experience can't hurt as he joins the NFC East.
Chenal was one of several members of the 2022 NFL Draft class to depart this offseason. The Chiefs also watched cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams leave for the L.A. Rams and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Safety Bryan Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as well. And of course, all of this took place after the Chiefs traded star corner Trent McDuffie to the Rams before free agency began.