The Kansas City Chiefs will have many key players to re-sign in 2026, and two players who could be highly sought after.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named cornerback Jaylen Watson and linebacker Leo Chenal at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, among the top-10 free agent prospects for 2026. Chenal and Watson are both in the final year of their current rookie deals, and Knox projects both for big contracts in 2026.
Knox projects a three-year, $49 million deal for Watson, who has an interception and 25 tackles this season. For Chenal, Knox projects a three-year, $30 million contract, as Chenal has 18 tackles, a pick, and 1.5 sacks this year.
Kansas City has the worst salary cap outlook for 2026, per Spotrac, with a projected $30.73 million over the cap, which will hinder the Chiefs’ chances to re-sign the likes of Chenal and Watson. Kansas City selected both Watson and Chenal in the 2022 draft.
They’re just two of the many pending free agents the Chiefs will have to consider for 2026. That includes backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, tight end Travis Kelce, running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, and wide receivers Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton on offense. Other notable pending free agent defensive players include defensive tackle Derrick Nandi and linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Leo Chenal Named Target For 2 Linebacker-Hungry Teams
Teams that could pursue Chenal include the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys — two squads that need improvement at linebacker for 2026.
“Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal plays a specific role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense,” Knox wrote. “He’s an early-down run defender who didn’t even reach 50 percent of the defensive snaps before this season.”
“However, the 25-year-old has been terrific in that role and should be viewed as a very good defensive starter,” Knox added. “Chenal appeared in all 17 games last season, finishing with 60 tackles, a sack and four tackles for loss. He’s on pace to surpass those numbers this season.”
“Because he hasn’t been an every-down linebacker—even if the potential is there—Chenal may have a limited market and isn’t likely to land a top-of-the-market contract,” Knox continued. “His deal will probably come in significantly lower than teammate Nick Bolton’s recent three-year, $45 million deal. However, he will interest teams that need to improve their run defense.”
Jalyen Watson Named Target For 2 AFC Teams
A couple of AFC rivals in the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts could come calling, as both could use defensive back help in 2026.
“The rise of 2022 seventh-round pick Jaylen Watson probably played a big role in Kansas City’s decision to trade away L’Jarius Sneed last offseason,” Knox wrote. “The Ventura College product has been an above-average perimeter starter when healthy.”
“While Watson missed half of last season with a broken fibula, he was terrific when on the field—he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.4 in coverage,” Knox continued. “He also returned to appear in all three of the Chiefs’ playoff games.”
“Watson has been reliable again this season and only turned 27 in September. He should get second-tier starter money on the open market,” Knox concluded.
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