Leo Chenal’s journey from a small-town high school star to a two-time Super Bowl champion is a story of hard work, perseverance, and talent
His success on the field is matched by his character off the field, making him a role model for aspiring athletes.
Leo Chenal’s rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs provides a solid foundation for his NFL career.
While the deal includes a modest guaranteed amount, it also offers significant earnings potential through escalating base salaries.
As he approaches unrestricted free agency in 2026, Chenal has the opportunity to secure a more lucrative and guaranteed contract, provided he continues to excel on the field.
For now, his contract represents a cost-effective investment for the Chiefs and a stepping stone for Chenal’s professional growth.
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Table of Contents
Leo Chenal: Who Is He?
A Rising NFL Star
Leo Chenal was born in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, where he quickly demonstrated a natural talent for football.1
A standout at Grantsburg High School, he earned accolades as the state Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2019.
In the same year, he was named the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association’s small-school offensive and defensive player of the year.
Chenal’s versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball made him a force to be reckoned with in high school football, leaving an indelible mark in Wisconsin sports history.
Christian Watson gonna be the steal of the draft, besides Leo Chenal of course
— Leo Chenal (@leochenal) April 19, 2022
Early Life and High School Success
Following his successful high school career, Chenal committed to the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2019.
As a member of the Badgers, he quickly established himself as a key contributor to the team’s defense. In 2020, he earned an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Conference, showcasing his potential as a future NFL player.
His junior season in 2021 marked a turning point, as he was named first-team All-Big Ten and earned the prestigious Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year award.
Chenal’s ability to read plays, deliver powerful tackles, and lead his team’s defense made him one of the most feared linebackers in college football.
Leo Chenal: NFL Debut
Forgoing His Senior Year for the NFL
After an outstanding junior season, Chenal decided to forgo his senior year to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.2
His decision was driven by his impressive collegiate resume and his readiness to take on the challenges of professional football.
Scouts and analysts praised his physicality, football IQ, and relentless work ethic, making him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Leo Chenal in the third round with the 103rd overall pick.
Joining a storied franchise known for its high expectations and competitive culture, Chenal was poised to make an immediate impact.
The Chiefs, fresh off their recent successes, saw Chenal as a valuable addition to their defensive unit, capable of bolstering their linebacker corps and contributing to the team’s championship aspirations.
Transitioning from college football to the NFL is no small feat, but Chenal adapted quickly. His physicality and high motor translated well to the professional level, allowing him to excel in various roles.
Initially contributing on special teams and as a rotational linebacker, he gradually earned more playing time. His ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks became evident, showcasing his versatility and value to the team.
Super Bowl Success
Chenal’s rookie season culminated in a dream come true as the Kansas City Chiefs captured the Super Bowl title in the 2022 season. His contributions on defense and special teams played a vital role in the team’s success. Winning a Super Bowl in his first year set the stage for an even brighter future.
In the following season, Chenal and the Chiefs repeated their success, claiming another Super Bowl championship in 2023. Becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion in just his first two seasons is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the winning culture of the Chiefs organization.
As of January 2025, Leo Chenal has played in 51 NFL games. His career stats include 160 tackles, five sacks, and four pass deflections, according to Pro Football Reference.
These numbers reflect his consistent contributions to the Chiefs’ defense and his growth as a player. Chenal’s ability to impact games with his tackling and pass-rushing skills has solidified his role as a key piece of Kansas City’s defense.
Leo Chenal: Strengths as a Player
Physicality and Strength
One of Chenal’s most defining traits is his physicality. Standing at 6’3” and weighing over 250 pounds, he possesses the ideal size for an NFL linebacker.3
His strength allows him to shed blocks and deliver punishing hits, making him a nightmare for opposing ball carriers.
Chenal’s football intelligence sets him apart. He has a knack for reading plays and anticipating the offense’s next move, allowing him to position himself effectively.
This ability to diagnose plays quickly has been instrumental in his success at both the college and professional levels.
Chenal’s versatility is another significant asset. Whether it’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage, he has the skills to excel in multiple facets of the game. This versatility has made him a valuable chess piece for the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator.
Areas for Improvement
- Despite his impressive start to his NFL career, Chenal has areas where he can continue to grow.
- Improving his pass coverage skills will make him a more complete linebacker, capable of matching up against the league’s elite tight ends and running backs.
- Additionally, refining his technique in pass rushing could help him increase his sack totals and further disrupt opposing offenses.
- Chenal’s impact extends beyond his performance on the field. He has emerged as a leader in the locker room, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
- His work ethic and dedication to his craft serve as an example for younger players. Off the field, Chenal is involved in community initiatives, using his platform to make a positive difference.
- As Leo Chenal continues his NFL journey, the sky is the limit for his potential. With two Super Bowl championships already under his belt, he has firmly established himself as a winner.
- As he gains more experience and continues to refine his skills, there’s no doubt that he will remain a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense for years to come.
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Leo Chenal’s Contract Breakdown
Leo Chenal, the Kansas City Chiefs’ linebacker, signed a four-year rookie contract valued at just over $5 million.
This deal included an $849,024 signing bonus, which was also the total guaranteed amount. According to Spotrac, the average annual salary for this contract is $1.26 million. Below, we dive into the details of his contract, earnings, and financial implications.
Chenal’s contract runs from 2022 to 2025, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2026. The breakdown of the contract terms is as follows:
- Contract Length: 4 years
- Total Value: $5,044,908
- Average Salary: $1,261,227 per year
- Signing Bonus: $849,024
- Guaranteed at Signing: $849,024
How Much is Leo Chenal Getting Paid?
For the 2024 season, Leo Chenal’s base salary is $1,163,628. When adding his signing bonus allocation of $212,256, his total cap hit for the year comes to $1,375,884. Additionally, the dead cap value associated with his contract in 2024 stands at $424,512.
These figures provide a clear understanding of how much Chenal will contribute to the Chiefs’ salary cap and how much financial security is built into his contract.
Breaking down his 2024 earnings into a per-minute rate adds an interesting perspective.
With a total 2024 income of $1,261,227 (base salary plus prorated signing bonus), Chenal makes approximately $2.48 per minute during the year. This calculation assumes a standard 525,600 minutes in a year.
Leo Chenal: Career Earnings
As of January 2025, Leo Chenal’s total career earnings amount to $3,651,966. This figure includes:
- His base salaries from 2022 to 2024
- Prorated signing bonus allocations for each year
- Additional workout bonuses from the 2023 season.
By the conclusion of his rookie contract in 2025, his total career earnings are projected to exceed $5 million, barring any contract adjustments, extensions, or additional bonuses.
Guaranteed Money in Chenal’s Contract
Out of the $5,044,908 total value of Chenal’s contract, only $849,024 is guaranteed. This guaranteed amount equals his signing bonus.
While this level of guaranteed money is standard for rookie contracts under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, it also highlights the limited financial security for players at this stage of their careers.
Year-by-Year Analysis
2022 Season
In his rookie year, Chenal earned a base salary of $705,000. With a signing bonus allocation of $212,256, his total cap hit for the season was $917,256, representing just 0.44% of the Chiefs’ salary cap.
As expected for a rookie, his dead cap value was equivalent to his full signing bonus guarantee of $849,024.
2023 Season
The following year, Chenal saw a pay increase to a base salary of $884,314, with an additional $50,000 workout bonus.
His total cap hit for 2023 was $1,146,570, slightly higher than the previous year and accounting for 0.51% of the salary cap. The dead cap value also decreased to $686,768, reflecting the amortization of his signing bonus.
Leo Chenal: Paid Partnership
Leo Chenal teamed up with verizon in a paid partnership and promoted on his official instagram account.
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2024 Season
In 2024, Chenal’s earnings climb further with a base salary of $1,163,628 and a cap hit of $1,375,884. By this point, the dead cap value drops to $424,512, continuing the downward trend as the prorated signing bonus approaches its conclusion.
2025 Season
The final year of Chenal’s rookie deal is financially significant. His base salary jumps to $3 million, pushing his cap hit to $3,212,256, or 1.17% of the Chiefs’ salary cap. The dead cap value is minimal at just $212,256, representing the last portion of his signing bonus allocation.
What Happens in 2026?
- Leo Chenal will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2026. At this point, he will have the opportunity to negotiate a new contract, either with the Kansas City Chiefs or another team.
- His performance during his rookie deal will play a crucial role in determining the value of his next contract.
- Should Chenal continue to perform at a high level, he could become eligible for performance-based bonuses or an early contract extension. This would provide additional financial security and reward his contributions to the team.
- By the end of his rookie deal, Chenal’s market value will depend on his on-field performance and health.
- If he emerges as a standout linebacker, he could command a substantial contract extension or lucrative free agency deal.
- Given the relatively low guaranteed amount in his current contract, it’s essential for Chenal to manage his finances carefully. Strategic financial planning could help him maximize his earnings and prepare for a potentially short NFL career.
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