This Chiefs tryout player just forced his way onto the active roster

Brett Veach has done it again, unearthing yet another rookie free agent gem for Steve Spagnuolo's already loaded defense. This year, linebacker Cooper McDonald is the undrafted signing who has wowed coaches enough to make the team's active roster.

McDonald landed with the Chiefs as a former TCU product (alongside tight end Jared Wiley) who was a two-time collegiate transfer. McDonald began his career at Washington before shifting to San Diego State. He finished with a single season with the Horned Frogs.

After going unselected in the draft, McDonald went to work to make believers out of Spags and his coaching staff, with positive reports flowing from the first glimpses of Chiefs rookies. Spags himself called him a "really good find" earlier this summer.

The Chiefs have found another diamond in the rough in former tryout player Cooper McDonald.

McDonald, who is a 6'2, 235 lbs. prospect, had a solid 10-yard split (1.55) at TCU's pro day and ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash. He comes with some solid pass-rushing experience as a linebacker used off the edge at TCU. Despite missing four games due to injury, McDonald had 3 sacks and a forced fumble in 2025.

The emergence of McDonald as a favorite on special teams as well made the competition difficult for other linebackers to stay the course. It also likely means Jack Cochrane is heading to injured reserve to start the season, which would open up another slot on the depth chart to start the year.

The Chiefs will lean on Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, and Drue Tranquill as their starters with Jeffrey Bassa around as insurance as well. Cochrane is a favorite who will take his rightful spot once healthy, but others like Cam Jones and Cole Christiansen are likely battling it out until the end. Christiansen is the likely sacrifice knowing McDonald made the team.

Roster cuts are due for the Chiefs by Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. C.T.