Cole Christiansen's departure shifts backup linebacker competition for Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs announced they have rescinded a contract tender to linebacker Cole Christiansen that was offered earlier this offseason.

Christiansen was a restricted free agent and perhaps he'd not yet signed the tender in the hopes of securing a better offer. Or maybe the Chiefs had worked out some agreement to wait until the draft's conclusion. Either way, Christiansen is out.

The Chiefs decided not to offer a contract tender to linebacker Cole Christiansen following the NFL Draft.

Christiansen's rescinded deal was one of a few moves on Friday that also featured three players released from the roster: Wide receivers Shi Smith and Anthony Miller and defensive end Jordan Smith.

Christiansen's move was the biggest surprise considering he earned more appearances (5) than ever before in his four-year NFL career. The former Army product arrived in K.C. in September of 2022 as a practice squad signing and flirted with the occasional special teams promotion to the active roster for the next two seasons.

Given the departure of Willie Gay Jr. to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, Jack Cochrane and Cole Christiansen looked like they might have an opportunity for more reps. However, Cam Jones is also around as veteran competition.

The Chiefs didn't select a single linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they did come away with a few undrafted free agent signings at the position, anchored by former Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs. Others signed include Swayze Bozeman from Ole Miss and Luquay Washington from Central Connecticut.

As for Christiansen, he should have no problem finding further work as a former Army product who is only 26 years old and spent the last two years winning Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.