Undiscovered rookie elevated to Chiefs' final squad list
Kansas City Chiefs Add Undrafted Rookie Linebacker Cooper McDonald to 53-Man Roster
The Kansas City Chiefs have made an unexpected move by adding undrafted rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald to their 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season. This comes after the trade of defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi to the Jets, which made Marlon Tuipulotu expendable.
Tuipulotu, who had been with the Chiefs, was subsequently released from the team. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, there are no waivers involved in his release, meaning he can be signed by any team at any time.
The Chiefs Kingdom should get familiar with the name Cooper McDonald, as he has been turning heads since signing with the team after a rookie tryout, two weeks after the draft. During the minicamp, McDonald made the most of the opportunity, impressing the coaching staff with his impressive plays.
Brett Veach, the Chiefs' general manager, has praised McDonald's performance, highlighting his incredible plays during the preseason. In the game against the Chicago Bears, McDonald recorded three total tackles, a sack, and a quarterback hit. One of his most notable plays was a sack in the third quarter on Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent, resulting in a loss of 10 yards for Chicago.
McDonald's college football career also showcases his talent, having recorded 8.0 sacks, seven passes defended, a forced fumble, and 137 combined tackles through 48 games. Before turning pro, McDonald suited up for the Washington Huskies, San Diego State Aztecs, and TCU Horned Frogs.
The Chiefs' decision to keep McDonald on the roster is considered a strong find by the team's staff. His inclusion serves as an inspiring example for others dreaming of making the NFL despite being undrafted.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are now looking to fill the void left by Tuipulotu. The team will likely be on the lookout for a defensive tackle to add depth to their roster. With the regular season fast approaching, the Chiefs will need to make quick decisions to ensure they are ready for their opening game.