According to Jesse Newell of The Athletic, three homegrown defensive starters from the 2022 draft—Safety Bryan Cook, Linebacker Leo Chenal, and Cornerback Jaylen Watson—are headed toward free agency, and Kansas City may only be able to keep one. All three have developed into quality NFL players, and each is expected to command a significant payday this spring.
Bryan Cook is the most straightforward candidate to bring back, in Newell’s view. Cook started all 17 games in 2025, registering 85 tackles and six passes defended. The Chiefs lack substantial safety depth behind him, which strengthens his case to return, even as his rising market could test the team’s budget.
Jaylen Watson’s path back to Kansas City is murkier. While his versatility and physicality have made him a valuable multi-role defender, Newell notes that Watson may have priced his way out of KC given the franchise’s salary-cap constraints. The Chiefs’ assessment of Trent McDuffie’s status could also influence Watson’s future.
Leo Chenal adds another layer of complexity. His market is the most unpredictable of the three, and Kansas City could decide to prioritize cap space or allocate dollars elsewhere. The Chiefs do have internal depth at linebacker, with rising players like Jeffrey Bassa and Cooper McDonald, and a potential cap casualty in veteran Drue Tranquill could shift the math if the team chooses to retain Chenal.
Overall, the Chiefs face a difficult balancing act between keeping youth and playmaking on defense and preserving long-term financial flexibility. Newell’s takeaway suggests Cook is the most sensible retention, but any of the three would be valuable in KC’s framework. General manager Brett Veach must weigh immediate needs against future growth as he navigates the offseason.
Ultimately, Kansas City’s approach will hinge on cap management and strategic prioritization. The decision on Cook, Chenal, and Watson will shape the Chiefs’ defensive core in 2026 and influence how quickly the team can return to Super Bowl contention.
