Cooper McDonald earned a spot on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent, flashing enough in three preseason games to convince personnel that he can contribute depth in a crowded linebacker room led by Bolton, Chenal and Tranquill. The emergence adds a further layer of competition and special-teams upside as KC opens Week 1 with a veteran-backed, versatile front seven.

KC’s depth at linebacker is a quiet strength entering the season: Bolton anchors the group while Tranquill’s seasoned coverage and Chenal’s speed give Spagnuolo multiple rotation options. McDonald’s rise from rookie minicamp to active roster demonstrates the Chiefs’ talent development pipeline and a potential sleeper path for fantasy players who chase late-round value.