Could Leo Chenal Be the Perfect Fit for Carolina? Chiefs Linebacker Drawing Interest Ahead of Free Agency
As the Kansas City Chiefs head into a pivotal offseason filled with big decisions - including what’s next for franchise cornerstone Travis Kelce - there’s another name quietly worth watching: Leo Chenal.
The third-year linebacker saw his 2025 season cut short after landing on injured reserve in December, but make no mistake - Chenal has built a strong case for a bigger role, whether it’s in Kansas City or elsewhere. With his rookie contract now expired, the former Wisconsin standout is heading into free agency with a résumé that should catch the attention of teams looking to shore up their linebacker corps.
One of those teams? The Carolina Panthers.
According to Pro Football Focus, Carolina stands out as a potential landing spot for Chenal - and the fit makes a lot of sense. The Panthers are fresh off an NFC South title and a gritty playoff run that nearly saw them knock off the Los Angeles Rams. Their offense is loaded with young, dynamic talent, but defensively, there’s work to be done - particularly at linebacker.
Carolina’s linebacker unit struggled in 2025, failing to produce a single player with a PFF grade above 55.0. That’s where Chenal comes in.
Over his four seasons with the Chiefs, he’s consistently been a force in the run game, earning a run-defense grade north of 70.0 every year. But what’s really turned heads is his development in coverage - an area that was once a question mark.
In 2025, he posted a career-best 72.6 coverage grade, showing real growth and versatility.
Chenal’s game is built on physicality and discipline. He’s a downhill thumper who rarely misses tackles - just four all season, to be exact - and he brings a level of consistency that’s tough to find at the position.
Over his four-year stint in Kansas City, he racked up 218 total tackles (124 solo), seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Not bad for a third-round pick who initially carved out a role as a situational run-stopper and blitzer.
Now, he looks ready for more.
The idea of Chenal stepping into a full-time role - potentially as the green-dot communicator in Carolina’s defense - is intriguing. The Panthers ranked 23rd in EPA per play allowed last season, and adding a smart, physical presence in the middle could go a long way toward stabilizing that unit. He’s the kind of player who sets a tone, and for a young team looking to build on recent success, that matters.
Of course, there’s still a chance Kansas City brings him back. But with other pressing priorities on the roster and a defense that’s seen plenty of turnover, the Chiefs may not be able to commit the resources needed to retain him. Losing Chenal wouldn’t be easy - he’s been a steady, impactful presence for a team that went to three straight Super Bowls before narrowly missing the postseason in 2025.
As free agency approaches, Leo Chenal is a name worth circling. He’s not just a depth piece anymore - he’s a proven performer with upside, and if Carolina or another team is ready to give him the keys to a bigger role, he just might take off.