4 pending 2024 free agents Chiefs fans should worry about losing

Willie Gay Jr., LB

There are ways of seeing this from both sides: a situation in which the Chiefs keep Willie Gay Jr. for another season or more or a scenario in which he takes the money in free agency from another team.

This is a big year for Willie Gay on this Chiefs defense. The former second-round pick has been an above average defender for the Chiefs in the second level since he was first drafted three years ago, and his presence has been vital as part of the overall evolution of the position for the Chiefs. Along with the draft picks of Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal, the Chiefs haven't looked good this good in the heart of the defense for years.

In one year, however, those perceptions could dramatically change knowing that Drue Tranquill is only in town for a single season and Gay is in his contract year.

Of all of the current linebackers, Gay has the highest ceiling of all with his big physical stature and elite athletic package, but he's yet to put it all together in a full season. That's not to say he's not produced good things for the Chiefs, but Gay has Pro Bowl potential if he could stay healthy and show improvement in weaker areas.

If Gay is going to be a late bloomer, it would serve the Chiefs well to offer him a one or two-year extension in order to keep him in house. That said, some team might be willing to pay for that potential on the open market knowing it hurts the Chiefs as well. So much depends on the sort of season Gay puts up in 2023.