Leo Chenal is one of the best free agents from the Kansas City Chiefs' pending group. He wears multiple hats as a defender. The many ways that he impacts opposing offenses do not always show up in the box score. However, his versatility could lead to a handsome payday in the coming days.
Chenal is known for his strength and tenacity. This shows up in playing the run and as a blitzer. Kansas City placed him in different alignments within their defense. But with how comfortable he is moving around the formation, could teams with opposite defensive schemes lure him away in free agency?
Chenal is definitely still suitable in a 4–3 front. We could see many teams incorporating a 3–4 scheme as his best fit, though.
Plenty of squads were already running odd-front defenses. A transition to that scheme awaits others. For instance, the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets are just a few who will be switching to the 3–4 in 2026. Could those defenses ultimately be the best fits for Chenal on the open market?
"Buck", "Joker" role accentuates Chenal perfectly
Chenal has wowed at times when Steve Spagnuolo asks him to put his hand in the dirt. Specifically, the linebacker wrecked shop against the Detroit Lions in snaps like that in 2025. In the end, the appeal of getting Chenal on the line of scrimmage is clear.
Placing Chenal on the ball against offensive tackles or tight ends more often could very well take his already impressive game to new heights. Thinking of him in a "buck" or "joker" role makes complete sense. Chenal would be asked to be more of a stand-up outside linebacker.
If he were in a spot like that, his range and athleticism would greatly benefit his defense. On the flip side, his mix of sure tackling, excellent block deconstruction, and nose for the ball would become more immediate. Chenal fits the bill as a hybrid player teams long for when building exotic, complex schemes.
Snap count, efficiency make Chenal unique player on open market
The Chiefs know how impressive Chenal has been as a former third-round pick. Yet he still has never garnered as many snaps as one would expect. Chenal has not topped 600 snaps in a single season to this point in his NFL career. There is definite efficiency he offers as a player. That unique mix makes Chenal a fascinating value to monitor on the open market.
Neither Pro Football Focus nor Spotrac is projecting Chenal to earn a significant pay raise. They each see him getting anywhere from $4 million to $6 million per season. Rotating on and off the field will play a major part in that. Chenal likely looks to get more consistent reps if he were to leave Kansas City.
On the other hand, Chenal could find himself in a possible bidding war. Ruling out a higher price point than expected would be somewhat foolish. Because of his efficiency as a tackler and blitzer, along with his incredible instincts, Chenal can impact offenses in numerous ways. His play certainly opens up other chances for teammates to get home. A further increase in production is easy to envision for Chenal.
Team fits if Chenal joins 3-4 scheme
Beyond the Bills, Raiders, and Jets changing to a 3–4 look, there are many other spots that make sense for Chenal. If you wanted him to rush the passer more and align on the ball, there are plenty of options who offer newfound competitiveness after last season. Here are a few to keep in mind.
The Carolina Panthers are someone who could alter their linebacker room quite a bit. Carolina general manager Dan Morgan was a former physical linebacker who would love Chenal's intensity. Even with the two rush linebackers they drafted on the outside last year, the Panthers would benefit from the juice Chenal would offer near the line of scrimmage.
Sticking in the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons may look Chenal's way. Questions remain about James Pearce Jr.'s long-term availability. Not much depth surrounds Jalon Walker at outside linebacker as he enters his second season in Atlanta.
Finally, the Dallas Cowboys will change to a 3–4 front in new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's defense. Dallas drafted Donovan Ezeiruaku last season. Though outside linebacker roles should be open, as Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler Jr., and Sam Williams are pending free agents. The Cowboys could get younger and give Chenal a chance to start.