Cooper McDonald says the game has slowed down. That’s usually a sign that he’s ready for what’s ahead of him.
The Kansas City Chiefs certainly hope that’s the case as the linebacker comes into his second season. He spoke to reporters about the speed of things after the second padded practice in training camp at St. Joseph on Tuesday.Â
"Last year was about making the squad, trying to do everything I could to make the team," McDonald said. "This year I was talking to my brother, and I was like, this training camp compared to last, everything is slowed down, you know, starting to know the playbook, picking it up well, out here competing with everyone."
One year ago, McDonald’s head was likely spinning—as it should. A tryout signing out of TCU, McDonald was a rookie free agent fighting hard to stay afloat on the 90-man roster long enough to even get to camp. Somehow he swam against the current to earn the trust of Chiefs coaches as he made the team’s initial 53-man roster and played in all 17 games as a core special teams performer. He also ended the season on a high note with increased playing time on defense, including his first start in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos.
Fortunately, McDonald isn’t left to his own devices when it comes to learning Steve Spagnuolo’s schemes. McDonald pointed to Nick Bolton as a leader who has helped him acclimate after concepts got bunched together a year ago.Â
“I actually sit next to him in meetings, and we'll be watching the film and stuff, and anytime I've got questions I just go straight to Nick right next to me, and he always has an answer for me, always coaching me up," McDonald said. "So Nick's been great for me."
The Chiefs have opened a door for McDonald to step through, if he’s able, after watching Leo Chenal depart for the Washington Commanders in the offseason. Chenal landed a three-year deal to revamp the linebacking corps for Dan Quinn’s defense (along with the drafting of Ohio State’s Sonny Styles), leaving a significant and versatile void for the Chiefs defense. McDonald says he’s been looking at Chenal’s role from a year ago as he anticipates what’s ahead.Â
"He was an elite player who did a lot for us, and I'm trying to do the same as well"Cooper McDonald, on Leo Chenal
"Leo is great. I learned a lot from Leo. I miss that guy especially," McDonald said. "I was actually doing some film study over him this offseason, trying to take little bits and pieces of his game and apply it to my game. He was an elite player who did a lot for us, and I'm trying to do the same as well."
McDonald isn’t being handed such a role, however. Jeffrey Bassa, last year’s fifth-round pick, has also been waiting in the wings as a young linebacker hoping for a breakout season in 2026. Kam Arnold is also back for his second season as a former UDFA signing, and this year’s new entry, who could likely lean on McDonald’s own insights, is Wesley Bissainthe, a rookie linebacker from Miami.Â
"Competition raises the level of play in our room, and I think that's just going to only make us better," McDonald said. "I've got to go earn it first off."
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