Following the release of veteran inside linebacker Anthony Hitchens on Tuesday, a vacancy is left within the Chiefs’ starting linebacker rotation.
Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton — a couple of Kansas City’s best young defenders — will overtake the vast majority of gameday snaps moving forward. However, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo elected to utilize four different linebackers in relatively large roles during the 2021 season — so additional depth is needed entering training camp.
In this article, we will detail some of the different approaches the front office might take to bolster the linebacker room, including a few free agent and draft names to watch.