Chiefs linebacker unit faces major test heading into 2026

Linebackers are the core of every NFL defense, and the Kansas City Chiefs will rely heavily on their veteran returning unit to make an impact in 2026. While the Chiefs made many changes to the rest of their defense, their linebacker unit has remained relatively intact. The Chiefs suffered a devastating loss in free agency when Leo Chenal signed with the Commanders, but the Chiefs felt confident they had the depth and talent to remain strong heading into 2026.

The Chiefs' defense loves to run a wide range of different looks and packages, and having consistent veteran leadership in the middle to keep everything in line is essential. The Chiefs have two veteran linebackers whom they will rely on, as well as several young, athletic, and talented players behind them to round out the defense. So what can fans expect from the Chiefs linebacker core in 2026?

Nick Bolton

Once a second-round pick for the Chiefs in the 2021 draft, Bolton has been a mainstay in the Chiefs' defense for half a decade. Since 2022, Bolton has been the green dot linebacker for the Chiefs, meaning he hears and calls out the plays for the Kansas City defense. He is their main leader and has established himself as one of the NFL's best tacklers. Fans grew frustrated with Bolton's struggles in coverage in 2025, but with other improvements to the defense, the Chiefs hope Bolton's leadership will help lift the rest of the team to new heights.

Drue Tranquil

Tranquil is the second-oldest player on the Kansas City defense, second only to Chris Jones. He now enters his eighth NFL season, his fourth with Kansas City after spending four seasons with the Chargers from 2019 through 2022. Over the years, Tranquil has become known for his veteran savvy and his ability to consistently make plays around the ball. The Chiefs will rely on his leadership and ability to read an offense heavily in 2026.

Jeffrey Bassa

Coming into the 2025 NFL Draft, I had a third-round grade on Bassa, and when he fell into the fifth round, I was over the moon that the Chiefs were able to land him. While he only played limited snaps in 2025, Bassa will have a significant role in 2026 and will be a part of the Chiefs' base 4-3 defense. Bassa is an athletic, instinctive, and skilled linebacker who can make an impact in every facet of the game. He is the likely candidate to fill in for Leo Chenal next season, and I have high hopes for what he can bring to Kansas City in 2026.

Cooper McDonald

McDonald is one of the best stories on the Chiefs roster. After the 2025 draft, McDonald agreed to a mini-camp tryout where he earned a contract and then played his way onto the Chiefs’ week one 53-man roster. He was a key special teamer and then late in the season became a rotation LB. McDonald is the favorite to make the roster as the Chiefs’ 4th linebacker who can serve as depth and be a strong special teams contributor again in 2026.

Jack Cochrane

Following the 2022 NFL draft, the Chiefs signed Cochrane out of South Dakota, and this offseason, signed a one-year extension with the team for 2026. Over the last four years, Cochrane has served as a reliable special teamer who rotated into the LB rotation late in the season in 2025. Cochrane is likely to make the roster as a core special teamer and depth in the LB room alongside Cooper McDonald.

Cole Christiansen

Christiansen is one of the most experienced players on the Chiefs roster, entering his seventh season in the league. After a good college career with Army, Christiansen signed with the Chargers where he played for two years before joining Kansas City in 2022. Over the years with the Chiefs, Christiansen has served as their practice squad and scout team star, who also served as a special teams contributor when promoted to the active roster. He will compete with Cochrane and McDonald for a depth LB spot in Kansas City again in 2026.

Wesley Bissainthe

Bissainthe was one of the Chiefs’ highest priority UDFA signings following the 2026 NFL Draft. Coming in at 6-1, 225 lbs, he is undersized for the linebacker position, but is able to make up for it with speed, range, and instincts. Bissainthe is a solid prospect with top-end athleticism for the position, but there will be a lot of concerns around his tackling ability in the NFL. A lack of length could hold him back from making the wrap-up tackles, but his coverage skills will make him valuable. He has the range to play on special teams, and with a good camp, he could earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Kam Arnold

Arnold signed with the Commanders after the 2025 NFL draft and joined the Chiefs' practice squad in late December. Similar to Bissainthe, Arnold is an undersized LB who played somewhat of a hybrid LB/DB role with Boston College. His lack of size makes his role in the NFL somewhat questionable, but Arnold has good coverage skills and range for special teams. Arnold signed a future/reserve contract with the Chiefs before the offseason, and he likely is competing for a practice squad spot in 2026.

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