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The Kansas City Chiefs announced they have rescinded a contract tender to linebacker Cole Christiansen that was offered earlier this offseason.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. Christiansen’s rescinded deal was one of a few moves on Friday that also featured three players released from the roster: Wide receivers Shi Smith and Anthony Miller and defensive end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.