Kansas City Chiefs' Linebackers Among NFL's Top 10?

The Kansas City Chiefs are going through the pains of what a lot of great teams inevitably go through. They build a team so good, that they just can’t afford to keep all the players.

After winning back-to-back Super Bowls, they had to part ways with linebacker Willie Gay in free agency, which was a key point in why Pro Football Focus ranked the Chiefs linebacker group at No. 12 in the NFL.

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) after making a catch against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) after making a catch against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

“The Chiefs lost Willie Gay in free agency but still have an impressive linebacking unit overall,” PFF writes. “Nick Bolton earned the lowest season grade of his NFL career in 2023, but he dealt with injuries and earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in each of his first two years.”

“Leo Chenal could see his role expand after impressing against the run in his second season,” PFF continued, “earning a 90.6 PFF run-defense grade that ranked third at the position. Drue Tranquill enjoyed a decent first season in Kansas City, capping it off with a career-high 68.4 PFF grade.”

The Chiefs have been exceptionally good at drafting and developing talent, and for this team to remain a dynasty, they have to continue that trend. They are going to lose more and more players that they just can’t afford to lose as the team continues to win, and player salaries continue to rise.

This linebacker group may struggle early on, but as the season progresses, they should come together quite nicely.