6 Chiefs on the Chopping Block After 2024 Minicamp

5. Cole Christiansen, linebacker

Some of the players who could be hurt the most by the NFL's new kickoff return rules are the linebackers who have made their hay on special teams. Of course, teams will always need athletic linebackers who can get down the field in a hurry and play that key role, but rosters are going to be shifting pretty dramatically starting this year.

Teams are going to need to prioritize kickoff returners. They are likely going to train up offensive linemen to take part in the kickoff return game which now will involve essentially a play from scrimmage. Bigger bodies are going to be needed and the construction of the 53-man roster is going to take on a new complexion.

Unfortunately, that could mean bad news for a player like Cole Christiansen, a linebacker who has been with the Chiefs for the last couple of seasons. Christiansen was active for three playoff games this past year and notched a pair of tackles, but he hasn't really been utilized heavily in the regular season.

Since 2022, Christiansen has appeared in just six games total with 41 total special teams snaps. So even when he is active, he's not out there a ton.

The Chiefs said goodbye to Willie Gay Jr. this offseason and the new starting linebacker group will include Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal. Christiansen is dealing with competition from guys like Jack Cochrane and Cam Jones along with a host of new undrafted rookies coming into the mix.