The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense had a serious linebacker shortage for years, but 2024 was the finest linebacker class in team history.

Between Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill and Willie Gay Jr., the Chiefs had four starting-caliber linebackers on their team. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was able to find roles for all four players and put them in perfect spots.

Bolton remained the Steve Spagnuolo linebacker, but Tranquill could spell him with injury or when he got tired. Gay and Chenal were used as downhill linebackers, creating chaos with their physicality and speed. Tranquill did a bit of everything for the team but especially thrived in zone coverage or as a blitzer.

This offseason, there are some questions on how the Chiefs will build their linebacker room in 2024 since there is uncertainty with Tranquill and Gay’s contracts.

2024 Chiefs linebackers under contract: Leo Chenal, Nick Bolton, and Cam Jones

With Chenal and Bolton, the Chiefs have two of their three starting linebackers from the last two seasons back. This offseason, Bolton has the option to negotiate a contract extension, which is something I would anticipate happening. Bolton’s leadership, communication, and football intelligence have all been commended by Spagnuolo. Despite his physical shortcomings as a player, Bolton is trusted by the Chiefs to lead a broad and varied defense.

I believed that Bolton was playing some of his greatest football of his career prior to his wrist injury. A compensation in the area of $15 to $17 million would be what I would anticipate.