After years of the position being a major weakness on the Kansas City Chiefs' defense, 2024 was the best they have ever had at the linebacker position.
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 MIKE 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.