The Patriots' slow start to 2026 free agency has a real chance to get more exciting, despite the high number of superstars who have already signed elsewhere. They are still a team considered to be actively engaging in trade talks for big names, most notably AJ Brown, and there are still plenty of high-caliber players available to sign who could be real game-changers.
The defense will inevitably be a focus just as much as the offense, with EDGE players and pass rushers expected to be prioritized.
Because of that, and due to the uncertain futures of some of the Patriots' current free agents, they should look at those who fit their scheme best, and there might be no linebacker better than Leo Chenal.
The four-year starter and two-time Super Bowl champion has been a force for Kansas City since he was drafted in the third round in 2022. He's now experiencing his first free agency, and based on one Chiefs' expert's take, it doesn't look like he'll be suiting up in a Chiefs' uniform again and should be a top target for linebacker-needy teams.
Chiefs expert would hate to see Leo Chenal leave in free agency
When a team's fandom doesn't want to see a certain player leave in free agency, they usually have a good reason, and that gives the Patriots plenty of reason to look into Chenal.
We know they need help at linebacker, and with K'Lavon Chaisson's future up in the air, Harold Landry III potentially undergoing surgery this offseason, and Jahlani Tavai already cut, bringing in a proven talent like Chenal should be an easy decision.
It's even better when you see Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict's feelings on potentially seeing the Chiefs lose Chenal and what he could bring to his next team.
"If there's a FA departure that will truly hurt the Chiefs, it's this one. Chenal does it all. On special teams, he's a beast who can block kicks and force fumbles. He's a menace against the run and yet he's improved by leaps and bounds in coverage. He blitzes well, and Spagnuolo loves to use him as a chess piece in myriad ways.
Whoever lands him is going to get far more value than they bargained for, as I think Chenal's best is yet to come."
If that doesn't sound like a Mike Vrabel guy, it's hard to say what does.
There's a fair argument to be made that he should have been the MVP of Super Bowl LVIII because his performance was just that good, and how often does someone of that caliber become available for any team to sign?
Just last season, he logged 58 combined tackles, two for a loss, five quarterback hits, an interception, two passes defended, and two sacks. He's a reliable option and could make all the difference for New England's defense.
He likely comes with a high price tag, but for the talent he possesses and the fact that he's only 25 years old with plenty of time to improve even more, Vrabel would be foolish not to inquire and/or seriously pursue Chenal before it's too late.
UPDATE:
Chenal signed a 3-year deal with the Commanders on Tuesday, March 10.