According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to give standout rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald a spot on their 53-man roster for the 2025 season.
A former Washington Husky, San Diego State Aztec, and Texas Christian University Horned Frog, McDonald earned the chance to compete for a chance to crack the Chiefs’ final roster after an impressive showing at a rookie tryout early in the offseason.
During his time as a collegian, McDonald tallied 137 combined tackles, eight sacks, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble in 48 total games played over five seasons.
Undrafted rookie LB Cooper McDonald has made the #Chiefs’ 53-man roster, per sources.
McDonald signed after a rookie tryout, two weeks after the draft, and now goes from tryout player to active roster.
Another strong find by the Kansas City staff and a great story heading into… pic.twitter.com/EgMDHskAHR
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 26, 2025
Though the Chiefs aren’t likely to give McDonald playing time with their starting defense against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, his tenacity and athleticism will be on full display when he takes the field as a backup or special teamer.
Stay tuned to our roster-cut live blog for updates on all of Kansas City’s latest transactions.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: REPORT: Underrated, undrafted rookie LB cracks Chiefs’ 53-man roster