Preview every LB on the KC Chiefs' 90-man roster before training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs have an outstanding group of linebackers that should have no issue fortifying the middle of veteran coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's new-look defense.

While the Chiefs' front office added several young standouts to Kansas City's defensive front and backfield, fans in Western Missouri can look forward to seeing some familiar faces among the team's linebacking corps, including veterans Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill.

Take a look at these brief profiles of Bolton, Tranquill, and every other linebacker who is currently on the Chiefs' roster before training camp kicks off in St. Joseph, Missouri, later this month:

LB Nick Bolton

Bolton has been a fan-favorite defender in Kansas City since joining the Chiefs as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Missouri Tiger tends to fare best as a run-stopper but has the versatility to drop into coverage against tight ends over the middle.

Expect Bolton to be a steady contributor in Kansas City's retooled defensive scheme.

2026 cap number: $19,250,000

LB Jeffrey Bassa

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Bassa struggled to earn playing time during his rookie season, but still managed to tally 15 combined tackles, mostly as a special teamer. If he puts together competent performances in training camp and the preseason, Bassa might be able to push his way onto the field in Week 1.

2026 cap number: $1,108,413

LB Wesley Bissainthe

This former Miami Hurricane was a consistent producer over his four years in the NCAA, and probably should have heard his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City's front office will hope to have found its latest UDFA gem in Bissainthe, though it seems unlikely that he will crack the Chiefs' 53-man roster as a rookie.

2026 cap number: $888,333

LB Jack Cochrane

Quietly one of Kansas City's longest-tenured linebackers, Cochrane has developed into one of the Chiefs' top special-teamers and will almost certainly be part of the team's active roster during the 2026 season. If injuries affect Kansas City's linebacking corps, Cochrane will likely get a chance to earn significant playing time for the first time in his NFL career.

2026 cap number: $1,415,000

LB Drue Tranquill

Tranquill pairs with Nick Bolton to eat up the majority of linebacker snaps available in the Chiefs' starting defense. He is cerebral, athletic, and battle-proven — with the leadership moxie that makes him one of Kansas City's most indispensable defensive veterans. As Tranquill enters his fourth season with the Chiefs, he is one of the team's most beloved on-field stars.

2026 cap number: $5,000,000

LB Cooper McDonald

Another top special-teamer, McDonald made a name for himself as a rookie last season — even if it wasn't always as a member of the Chiefs' defense. He made one start in 2025 and tallied a total of 25 combined tackles in 346 total snaps (57 as a defender, 289 on special teams).

2026 cap number: $1,005,000

LB Cole Christiansen

Set to enter his seventh season in the NFL, Christiansen is a veteran who is still looking for his first significant action as a professional in 2026. He only registered snaps as a special-teamer last season and will have a hard time earning a roster spot unless injuries force Kansas City's coaching staff to adjust course at the linebacker position after training camp.

2026 cap number: $1,215,000

LB Ethan Downs

In a total of 33 snaps played in one game last season, Downs managed to tally five combined tackles. The former Oklahoma Sooner will need to channel more of that productivity during the preseason to punch his ticket to a spot on the Chiefs' 53-man roster as an NFL sophomore.

2026 cap number: $885,000

LB Kam Arnold

Arnold signed with Kansas City's practice squad late last year and is something of an unknown commodity entering training camp. While it seems unlikely that the Chiefs will elect to keep him on their active roster, standout performances in the preseason could make Arnold an intriguing player to watch on cut day.

2026 cap number: $885,000

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Preview every LB on the KC Chiefs' 90-man roster before training camp