Why Chiefs Instilling Youth At LB is Necessary

The Kansas City Chiefs are in an unusual spot in late January. Instead of playing for a spot in Super Bowl LX, they are sitting at home after a 6-11 season that saw defeats in one score games, inconsistency on both sides of the ball, and Patrick Mahomes suffering a torn ACL late in the campaign.

The linebacker room is a point of interest heading into the offseason. Led by veteran MIKE linebacker Nick Bolton, the Chiefs have had a steady group of talent for the last few seasons. However, as last year showed, the group could get a much-needed retooling that the roster is currently going through.

Why Chiefs need youth at LB

Bolton is locked in long-term through 2028, the next time he will be due for an extension. The former Missouri standout should be considered a pillar at the position as the team’s best second level defender. Yet, the rest of the group should see an adjustment in 2026.

Fourth-year player Leo Chenal is a pending free agent, unlikely to return with the Chiefs significantly under the salary cap. Veteran linebacker Drue Tranquill should be considered a cap casualty, as the team could save $6 million but cutting him with a pre-June 1 designation. Rookie Jeffrey Bassa has shown some growth and evolution as a player, but is a relative unknown heading into 2026.