Last Sunday was one of the worst days in recent Kansas City Chiefs' history. Not only did the team’s 10-year streak of making the playoffs end at the hands of division rival the Los Angeles Chargers, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL, putting the dagger into Chiefs’ fans' hearts.
Even though they’ve been ruled out, the Chiefs still have three more games left to play. This provides them with an ideal time to rest their star players and evaluate their depth players for next season. One player who deserves an opportunity is rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald.
Chiefs Should Give Cooper McDonald Snaps on Defense
While fans would prefer to see their team fight until the end, despite not having an incentive to play, the Chiefs cannot afford to sustain any more injuries. Although, unfortunately, the Chiefs won’t be in the playoffs, the final stretch is the perfect chance to audition someone like McDonald.
One of the reasons for the Chiefs’ failures this season is their lack of young talent. That’s why they must rest their veterans and give more playing time to develop their younger players. With his performance on the special teams this season, McDonald has proven to be worthy of earning a role on the defense.
The Chiefs signed McDonald as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL draft. Although he had very few expectations heading into the season, the rookie has made a name for himself on the special teams unit, combining for 10 tackles, earning a 73.3 special teams grade, per Pro Football Focus.
While he’s proven to be a great addition to the unit, he’s received minimal opportunities to shine on defense due to the team’s crowded linebacker room. McDonald has appeared in just five defensive snaps this season, four of which came in the team’s Week 7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, in which he recorded one tackle.
Throughout his five years at college (Washington, San Diego State, TCU), McDonald displayed his versatility, playing at inside linebacker and edge rusher. He accumulated 137 total tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble in 48 games, showcasing plenty of production.
McDonald has been a quality contributor to the special teams, and that alone should earn him the opportunity to play on defense. Given the Chiefs aren’t going anywhere this season, they have nothing to lose by giving McDonald a shot on defense.
With McDonald, the Chiefs can evaluate him at both linebacker and edge rusher to determine whether he could potentially earn a role on defense next season. If the team isn’t confident in McDonald’s abilities, it gives them clarity to prioritize acquiring depth at linebacker in the offseason.
By giving McDonald a chance to prove himself on defense, the Chiefs can also provide some of their starting linebackers a break. With this season officially being a lost cause, there’s nothing to lose by giving him a shot.