Kansas City Chiefs held tryouts for four linebackers on Thursday

The recent injury to Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Cooper McDonald will keep him out of action for at least four games after he was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. The front office is already focusing on potentially adding a new player to the roster at that position.

According to A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman, the Chiefs hosted free agent linebackers Marte Mapu , Dominic DeLuca, Langston Patterson, and TJ Quinn for tryouts on Thursday.

DeLuca, Patterson, and Quinn are undrafted free agents from the 2026 NFL Draft class who were unable to make their initial training camp squad's 53-man roster. Mapu has the most experience and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round (76th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He notably had his first career interception against Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 of his rookie season.

After three seasons in New England , the Houston Texans traded for Mapu in 2026. He was later waived/injured on August 24, before being officially released the next day. In 2025, he recorded 25 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception. The former Sacramento State standout is 26 and has significant NFL linebacker experience.