Chiefs sophomore linebacker rated the Top Defensive Player during the 2023 Playoffs

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To win the Super Bowl, you often need contributions from unlikely sources, and the Kansas City Chiefs got that in spades from Leo Chenal in the 2023 postseason.

The second-year linebacker is a big reason why this team were able to repeat as world champions.

Leo Chenal’s regular season numbers

When you think of the Chiefs’ defense this past season, Chenal is rarely the first name that comes up.

It’s understandable when established veterans like Chris Jones are still there, combined with the outstanding campaigns that Trent McDuffie, L’Jarius Sneed and George Karlaftis among others put forth.

During the 2023 regular season, Chenal was under the radar, producing 65 tackles, eight for losses and three sacks.

He had the second-most tackles among Chief linebackers behind Drue Tranquill (79), finishing with more tackles than two other highly-touted linebackers, Nick Bolton (60) and Willie Gay (58).

Leo Chenal’s postseason numbers

Chenal’s playoff numbers don’t immediately jumped out, but he was still among their most influential defensive players.

He didn’t register a single sack in the postseason, finishing seventh on the Chiefs in tackles (15) with only one for a loss.

However, he was among their best and most consistent playoff performers during their most recent Super Bowl run.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded him #1 among linebackers and defensive players this postseason with a score of 91.0.

In his two NFL campaigns, Chenal has saved his best for last.

He came up with six tackles and a sack in KC’s 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

Just over a week ago, he had an even better Super Bowl performance versus the San Francisco 49ers, registering six tackles, one for a loss, a forced fumble and a blocked extra point.

What is Chenal’s current salary?

KC got a big bang for their buck with Leo Chenal last season.

The 23-year-old had a base salary just south of $900,000 in 2023 per Spotrac, with a cap hit slightly above $1 million.

In 2024, that base salary will jump up to over $1.1 million, increasing to above $1.3 million the next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

He played every regular season and playoff outing for the Chiefs in 2023.

If he continues his stellar play in big moments, he could make some big bucks a few years down the road.

Where Chenal could be on the Chiefs 2024 depth chart

There might be an opportunity for Chenal to move up the depth chart in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense next season.

Drue Tranquill will become an unrestricted free agent on March 13, earning a base salary of just over $1 million in 2023.

His cap hit was under $3 million this past season.

You’d think Tranquill’s asking price will be higher, seeing as he just put forth one of his best all-around seasons as a professional.

Nick Bolton, meanwhile, only played eight games this past season due to injuries.

Plenty of big-name Chief defensive players are set to become free agents, and that, combined with Chenal’s knack for performing in big spots, could mean good things for him in 2024.

Don’t be surprised to see them play a more prominent defensive role with this team in their quest for a three-peat.