The Chicago Bears must make some changes on defense, but not everyone will need to secure a big-money deal. Adding an impactful player on a low-money deal is what all general managers seek, and Chicago could have the perfect option available.
Linebacker is a position of need with questions swirling around Tremaine Edmunds' future, and Leo Chenal would be an ideal low-cost addition that'd have a positive ripple effect for the Bears.
Leo Chenal Would Be Get Low Cost Addition for the Bears
Chenal is slated to hit free agency after spending four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He developed into a sound defender at the second level, with the ability to be effective as a run and pass defender.
In 65 career games (45 starts), he had 218 total tackles, 17 TFLs, 16 QB hits, six pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. It seems like things clicked for Chenal over the last two seasons, and his numbers on Pro Football Focus show it.
Leo Chenal 2024 PFF Grades | Leo Chenal 2025 PFF Grades |
|---|---|
Overall Grade: 83.5 (5th among 83 graded LBs) | Overall Grade: 75.1 (18th among 88 graded LBs) |
Run-Defense Grade: 90.2 (4th among 83 graded LBs) | Run-Defense Grade: 76.2 (22nd among 88 graded LBs) |
Coverage Grade: 75.0 (6th among 83 graded LBs) | Coverage Grade: 72.6 (11th among 88 graded LBs) |
He's graded out as one of the best linebackers for the last two seasons, but surprisingly enough, he isn't expected to get a big-money deal. Per Spotrac, he's projected to land a three-year, $13.9 million ($4.6 average annual salary).
That's a lower deal, considering the top highest-paid linebackers in the league make at least $15 million per season. Chicago has one of those guys in Edmunds, who's on the books for $17.4 million in 2026.
Granted, Edmunds has just one year left on his deal, so getting Chenal in the room would give Chicago another young defender at linebacker, but at a much lower number. Another underrated factor that would make this a great signing is Chenal's pass coverage skills.
Last season, he allowed 12 receptions (14 targets) for 128 receiving yards and one score. As for Edmunds, he gave up 56 catches (71 targets) with 530 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Of course, Edmunds had a bigger sample size in that area, but he had clear difficulties in that area.
The Bears need to start thinking long-term at the position, which is why the idea of signing Chenal is more intriguing. He's 25 years old, standing at 6-foot-5, and weighs 250 pounds. The Wisconsin product is a physically imposing force at linebacker and would give the Bears an athletic, forceful player at the second level.
And from the look of things, it wouldn't cost the Bears much compared to the impact that he would bring to the defense.