The Kansas City Chiefs made an interesting move on Tuesday, reversing an earlier practice squad decision. A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman reported the move with the Chiefs releasing Hal Presley and signing linebacker Cole Christiansen. The Army product spent the first two seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, spending the bulk of this on the practice squad. The defender only has a career 6 tackles, with the majority of his career being spent in a reserve role.
Christiansen joined Kansas City's practice squad in 2022 and would be a part of both of the Chiefs' most recent championship runs. While there wasn't a high level of contribution, it was still a depth piece for a dynastic run. A reunion doesn't come as a surprise with the signing of a depth receiver only being needed due to the losses of Jalen Royals, Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice. It appears that either Worthy or Royals might be heading back to the active roster, or perhaps Presley wasn't performing at the expected level.
Former Chiefs Defender Brought Back to Kansas City's Practice Squad After Short-Lived Demotion
It is of note that Christiansen was active when the Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl two seasons ago against the San Francisco 49ers. There is enough trust in the defender to serve as a special teams piece and a depth option for the middle of the Kansas City defense. Bringing back someone with this level of experience in the organization is wise.
However, there is the flip side of this argument that points out there is not going to be a sudden development for Christiansen. A depth option is all the defender is ever going to present, while the practice squad spot could be utilized for a player with higher upside. Still, it makes sense to keep a level of continuity as the Chiefs attempt to turn the season around.
Circling the wagons and bringing in familiar pieces as you attempt to climb out of an early 0-2 hole is a savvy decision. One that speaks to an understanding that the franchise has previously had all of the answers and must simply get back to the basics. Christiansen is a tiny piece of this, providing improved defensive depth.
Perhaps the more important takeaway here is that the release of Presley sets the stage for the return of much-needed depth at receiver as Royals and Worthy both appear to be nearing a return.