Free agent LB with ties to Kansas City could be a fit for Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo's defense

Free agent linebacker Jabril Cox is an intriguing free agent who the Kansas City Chiefs could consider signing.

Cox is a Kansas City native who attended Raytown South High School. As a sophomore he played linebacker and wide receiver, racking up 101 tackles on defense and 509 receiving yards with 9 touchdowns on offense. During his junior year he switched to quarterback and also played some defensive back. 

Cox overcame tearing his ACL as a junior and threw for 2,103 yards, while also posting 1,004 rushing yards and 31 total touchdowns as a senior. He then went on to play at North Dakota State for three years, making the All-MVFC team three times and winning MVFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. Cox transferred to Louisiana State for his senior year and recorded 58 tackles, three interceptions and one sack.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Cox in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In Week 8 of his rookie year he once again tore his ACL. Before the injury he played sparingly on defense but quite a bit on special teams. Cox returned midway through the 2022 season but fell down the depth chart and struggled to get playing time.

In 2023 he played in 10 games for the Washington Commanders, but was released after the season. He then signed with the Minnesota Vikings this past summer just before training camp, but injured his groin during the first preseason game, leading to being waived by the team with an injury designation.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Friday that Cox is fully recovered from his groin injury and is in shape and ready to workout for any interested teams. 

The Chiefs don't have any reported interest that we know of in Cox, but he could be a fit for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Cox is an athletic, high motor linebacker who does a good job of attacking downhill against the run. He's not too shabby in coverage either, recording 26 passes defended and nine interceptions during his collegian days.

With linebacker Nick Bolton set to hit free agency after this season, bringing in a guy like Cox would be a good insurance move. All has been quiet on the negotiations between Bolton and the Chiefs, as the team is also facing contract decisions on offensive lineman Trey Smith and safety Justin Reid. As for Cox, it's probably safe to say that he would be thrilled to resurrect his NFL career with his hometown team.