He played college football for the Southern Illinois Salukis and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

[18] Throughout training camp, Chinn competed against Juston Burris and Myles Hartsfield to be the starting strong safety after it was vacant following the departure of Eric Reid.

[21] On September 13, 2020, Chinn started in his professional regular season debut and made eight combined tackles (seven solo) in the Panthers' 30–34 home-opening lost to the Las Vegas Raiders.

On November 29, 2020, Chinn collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (seven solo) and returned two fumble recoveries for touchdowns in a 28–27 loss at the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.

In the third quarter, defensive end Zach Kerr forced a fumble by Vikings' quarterback Kirk Cousins that Chinn recovered and returned 17-yards for a touchdown.

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow named Chinn the starting free safety, alongside Justin Burris to begin 2021.

The following week, Chinn played six snaps before exiting the Panthers' 16–26 loss to the Arizona Cardinals after injuring his hamstring in the first quarter.

[34] Chinn entered training camp without a solidified role after Vonn Bell was signed to be the starting strong safety.

[35] Head coach Frank Reich named Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods the starting safeties with Chinn listed on the depth chart as the first team nickelback, but playing as a hybrid safety/linebacker.

[36][37] On September 10, 2023, Chinn started in the Carolina Panthers' season-opener at nickelback and collected a season-high seven combined tackles (three solo) during a 10–24 loss at the Atlanta Falcons.

On October 24, 2023, the Carolina Panthers placed Chinn on injured reserve after it was discovered he had sustained a significant quad injury, but would not require surgery.

[18][40] Chinn stated he also received a higher valued contract offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but ultimately chose Washington to play under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.

[45] Chinn's uncle is Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater, who played for the Denver Broncos in the 1990s.