Best landing spots for 10 highest-graded free agents: Defense

[TheSpecialJuan]

LB Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs (82.0)

Best Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers

After playing a limited role as a situational run-stuffing and blitzing linebacker to start his career with the Chiefs, Chenal is ready to take on a full-time role elsewhere. He has posted a 70.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of his first four seasons. But, it’s his improvements in coverage — headlined by a career-best 72.6 PFF grade in 2025 — that should make him an enticing option

The Panthers' linebacking corps failed to produce a single player with a PFF overall grade above 55.0. Adding Chenal to headline the group as the new green-dot communicator would project well for a defense that ranked 23rd in EPA per play allowed this past season

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-landing-spots-highest-graded-free-agents-defense-2026

[Johnstonny]

22 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

LB Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs (82.0)

Best Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers

After playing a limited role as a situational run-stuffing and blitzing linebacker to start his career with the Chiefs, Chenal is ready to take on a full-time role elsewhere. He has posted a 70.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of his first four seasons. But, it’s his improvements in coverage — headlined by a career-best 72.6 PFF grade in 2025 — that should make him an enticing option

The Panthers' linebacking corps failed to produce a single player with a PFF overall grade above 55.0. Adding Chenal to headline the group as the new green-dot communicator would project well for a defense that ranked 23rd in EPA per play allowed this past season

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-landing-spots-highest-graded-free-agents-defense-2026

How much....

[Donald LaFell]

I feel like the team is in a tough spot with the Icky injury and Moton getting up there in age. Doesn’t feel like the team can take much of a leap next season. 

[rebelrouser]

3 hours ago, Johnstonny said:

How much....

Quote

According to Spotrac, Chenal is projected to earn $4.63 million per season under a three-year, $13.9 million deal. That seems manageable enough, so it's a definite option for Morgan to consider if the Chiefs don't want to stump up the cash to keep him on the books.

Cat Crave

[MHS831]

4 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

LB Leo Chenal, Kansas City Chiefs (82.0)

Best Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers

After playing a limited role as a situational run-stuffing and blitzing linebacker to start his career with the Chiefs, Chenal is ready to take on a full-time role elsewhere. He has posted a 70.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of his first four seasons. But, it’s his improvements in coverage — headlined by a career-best 72.6 PFF grade in 2025 — that should make him an enticing option

The Panthers' linebacking corps failed to produce a single player with a PFF overall grade above 55.0. Adding Chenal to headline the group as the new green-dot communicator would project well for a defense that ranked 23rd in EPA per play allowed this past season

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-landing-spots-highest-graded-free-agents-defense-2026

LB, S, are smart FA moves for the Panthers.  Not sure about a pass rushing Edge and WR.  

[Hoenheim]

I want Devin Lloyd but Chenal would be a nice consolation prize

[LinvilleGorge]

21 hours ago, MHS831 said:

LB, S, are smart FA moves for the Panthers.  Not sure about a pass rushing Edge and WR.  

We just drafted two edge rushers in the second round and they usually take two to three years of development at the NFL area. Edge is the one spot where FA > draft feels necessary. Adding another high pick rookie doesn't add much immediate help. You need a quality vet in that rotation.

[Lame Duck]

On 1/24/2026 at 3:14 PM, Johnstonny said:

How much....

[tukafan21]

Would rather spend big on an edge rusher and address MLB in the draft, we need a vet edge who can step in from day 1 and be our best pass rusher, better than Scourton who I think has great potential.

We're not getting that in the draft this year, use that on MLB or an OT if there is a starter there and then take a MLB in the 2nd.  That would be a much better way to allocate the cap to the starting lineup while giving us the best results as well.

[Aussie Tank]

45 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

Would rather spend big on an edge rusher and address MLB in the draft, we need a vet edge who can step in from day 1 and be our best pass rusher, better than Scourton who I think has great potential.

We're not getting that in the draft this year, use that on MLB or an OT if there is a starter there and then take a MLB in the 2nd.  That would be a much better way to allocate the cap to the starting lineup while giving us the best results as well.

We need a solid vet to pair with a rookie in my opinion plus grab veteran edge 

[Panthero]

Edge and LB. I agree with the above poster that said edges take a while, so I wouldnt count out Prince just yet. Grab a high level vet at edge and hit LB as the first pick and grab a mid-level LB to pair with the young guy. 

Then get a real number 2 passing threat. No Coker is not a number 2....even if he becomes that no negative in having another legit threat. Be it a high level pass catching tight end or another WR. Hell or both. 

[strato]

20 minutes ago, Panthero said:

Edge and LB. I agree with the above poster that said edges take a while, so I wouldnt count out Prince just yet. Grab a high level vet at edge and hit LB as the first pick and grab a mid-level LB to pair with the young guy. 

Then get a real number 2 passing threat. No Coker is not a number 2....even if he becomes that no negative in having another legit threat. Be it a high level pass catching tight end or another WR. Hell or both. 

With you on the first paragraph. Want a vet LB that can play fast out of the gate, these young guys have to think too much. We need at least one good veteran upgrade there and if we can draft a promising player to pair up with a vet, so much the better. 
Do the best we can at edge, just don’t force it too hard if it doesn’t fall our way. 

Now, Coker? He got what, 140, 150 yards in his first playoff game? We can hold off on upgrading him for my money.

I yield to the people who have been asking for the speed factor at WR. Get someone cat quick who can juke someone, and get up after a hit. If possible. 

I really hardly care that about TE. No high picks on one please. There should be a lot of them out there, sign one.