Depth is one of the most vital things any football team needs, as you always need players who are ready to go when the opportunity arises. Teams are always looking to bring in players who can add value to the roster immediately.
On defense, you always need players you can rotate in and out, especially when opposing offenses are bringing in a variety of packages and personnel to confuse the defense. For the Chiefs at linebacker, they may have a depth piece in former Washington Commanders linebacker Kam Arnold. Since he was signed to a reserve/future contract, it is intriguing to consider what the Chiefs see in him.
Kam Arnold: High School to the Chiefs
Kam Arnold was a former three-star athlete from the 2020 class who attended Orchard Lake St. Mary's in Orchard Lake, Michigan. He received many FBS offers, including, but not limited to, Boston College, Iowa State, Air Force, and Buffalo. Arnold chose Boston College, where he spent his entire college career.
Arnold was a four-year starter for Boston College and a former safety turned linebacker. He played in 54 career games, tallying 257 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 pass deflections, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles. In 2025, he was on track to have a good season; however, he suffered a season-ending injury.
At Boston College's pro day, Arnold measured 6-foot-5/8 and 227 pounds with 31 7/8-inch arms, 9 1/4-inch hands, and a 76 5/8-inch wingspan. He also recorded a 38-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-3 broad jump, a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 4.21-second 20-yard shuttle, and a 7.07-second three-cone drill.
Arnold initially signed with the Washington Commanders after the 2025 NFL Draft but was waived on August 26, 2025. He then signed with the Chiefs' practice squad late in the season and was signed to a reserve/future contract on January 5, 2026.
What do the Chiefs see in him?
After watching some of Arnold's 2024 college highlights, he does display some unique abilities at the linebacker position. Arnold showed good ball skills, tracking the ball well and creating multiple turnovers with his instincts and quick hands. He also displayed solid open-field tackling ability, bringing ball carriers to the ground with good angles and sound wrap-up technique. I feel that if he had not suffered the season-ending injury, he could have been a Day 3 draft pick.
Arnold's Competition
Arnold has some strong competition to beat out for a spot on the final 53-man roster. He will have to battle the likes of former UDFA find Cooper McDonald and veterans such as Jack Cochrane and Cole Christiansen. If he performs at a high level throughout training camp and the preseason, we could see a shift at the bottom of the linebacker rotation, potentially leaving some veterans on the practice squad or off the Chiefs' roster altogether.
All in all, Kam Arnold has a second chance with a new team, and the Chiefs clearly see something in him, especially after signing him to a reserve/future contract. Until then, Arnold will have to make the most of his opportunity and prove that he belongs on the final 53-man roster.
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