Leo Chenal: Broncos' Free Agent Linebacker Option

0:00On March 3rd, the Denver Broncos face big choices with their linebacker group heading into free agency. Alex Singleton and Justin Strohnad are both set to become free agents, and theirs talk that Dre Greenlaw might only last one year in Denver. One intriguing option from the free agent poll is Leo Chanel, a 25-year-old linebacker from the rival Kansas City Chiefs. Chanel stands six feet three inches tall and weighs 250 pounds, bringing four seasons of NFL experience. In the 2025 season, he played 14 games with 12 starts, wrecking of 58 tackles, two sacs, one interception, and five. Quarterback hits. Over his career, he has appeared in 65 games, starting 44, mostly as a strong side linebacker. Fans and analysts see him as a solid fit because of his low mistackle rate under 5% in recent years, plus strong special teams play. His past coverage stats looked better than some current Broncos linebackers, like Singleton last year.

1:02Pro football focus graded him highly, 18th overall among linebackers with top marks in coverage and solid run defense. That said, Chanel dealt with the season-ending shoulder injury recently in sites like SpotTrack project his next deal around $5 million per year. While he offers upside and a chance to snag talent from a division foe, the Broncos have a deep free agent class and draft pool with other strong candidates to explore. Overall, Chanel could bolster Denver's defense right away, but the team has plenty of paths to rebuild this key position for better results next.