Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs Announce Defensive Move After Chris Jones News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 6:39 PM ET

Chris Jones found himself in unfamiliar territory in 2025, as the Kansas City Chiefs saw their season end earlier than usual. After finishing 6-11 and losing their final six games, the Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, which also marked the first time in Jones’ 10-year career.

Still, Jones had another solid season in Kansas City, recording 29 tackles, seven sacks and two passes defended. However, with the Chiefs looking to return to the playoffs in 2026, they needed to clear cap space, prompting them to restructure several contracts, including those of Jones and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The moves saved nearly $50 million in salary cap space, and with that flexibility, the Chiefs have brought a player back to the roster.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Texans.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Jack Cochrane spent four seasons playing college football at South Dakota before going undrafted in 2022. The linebacker was picked up by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent but initially did not make the active roster, instead joining the practice squad ahead of his rookie year. However, following Week 1 in 2022, Cochrane was promoted to the active roster, where he has remained since.

Cochrane has spent his entire four-year NFL career in Kansas City and has become a reliable option on defense and special teams. In 64 appearances, he has recorded 62 tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception and two passes defended. Following the 2025 season, Cochrane saw his one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Chiefs expire, making him an unrestricted free agent.

But on Friday, the Chiefs announced that Cochrane will be sticking around for his fifth season in 2026, using some of that saved cap space to re-sign the linebacker to another one-year deal.

"Welcome back, @jacko_cochrane!" the Chiefs wrote on X.

Welcome back, @jacko_cochrane! pic.twitter.com/PDHoED2Vfd
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 20, 2026

The Chiefs have made some big acquisitions this offseason in hopes of getting back to the playoffs, including the signing of former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. However, they have lost players as well, such as cornerback Trent McDuffie, trading him away to the Los Angeles Rams.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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