
#43 LB · Kansas City Chiefs
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'3"
Weight
236 lbs
Age
27
College
South Dakota
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
4 yrs
LB Rank
#342 / 349
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Tkl | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 64 | 62 | — | 1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 20 | 0.0 | 1 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 15 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 17 |
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.1M
Guaranteed
$1.2M
AAV
$2.1M/yr
The Chiefs took a measured gamble on Jack Cochrane with this one-year, $2.1M deal that earns a C- CVI — a slight overpay for an unproven commodity, but the structure limits downside risk. Kansas City is essentially paying above-average backup money ($2.1M AAV) for a linebacker who hasn't established himself as a reliable NFL contributor, making this more hope than proven value. The short-term commitment with $1.2M guaranteed shows the front office recognizes Cochrane's unproven status while still betting on his potential upside in their system. This contract structure actually works in the Chiefs' favor — they can evaluate his fit without long-term financial exposure, and if he doesn't pan out, they're only on the hook for one season. While the price point feels elevated for someone in the unproven tier, Kansas City's track record of developing defensive talent suggests they see something worth the modest investment, even if the immediate value proposition doesn't quite align with the cost.
Jack Cochrane receives an F grade as a Chiefs linebacker who has been primarily a special teams contributor throughout his four-year career. His 62 tackles and one interception across 64 games is limited production, but the consistent 15-17 game seasons show that Kansas City values him enough to keep him active every week. Cochrane has been part of three consecutive Chiefs teams that competed for championships, and his special teams contributions have played a role in that success even if the stat line does not reflect it. The one interception and two passes defended suggest occasional defensive involvement, but his role is clearly defined as a coverage unit specialist. For a player who was not drafted, four seasons with the best team in football is an achievement in itself.
A reliable depth re-signing that keeps a proven special teams leader in Kansas City. Five headlines covered the move, emphasizing his veteran status and Super Bowl pedigree. His 71-game experience and championship DNA make him a smart locker-room retention. Fans see this as continuity-focused, valuing his special teams contributions over defensive impact. Cochrane likely anchors special teams again while remaining a rotational linebacker depth piece.
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| 28 |
| 0.0 |
| 0 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 15 | 9 | 0.0 | 0 |
Updated Mar 19, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)