Northwestern v Michigan | Gregory Shamus/GettyImages

The Kansas City Chiefs added a new face at linebacker before their third and final preseason tilt—the first home game—which forces Xander Mueller to try to wow coaches within a very brief window of time.

Mueller was signed earlier this week among a series of roster moves intended to respond to the latest injury reports and to adjust for the coming preseason game. In doing so, the Chiefs placed defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve, signed defensive end Owen Carney, and released running back Elijah Young.

The Chiefs have a new linebacker under the microscope in the team’s final preseason game.

Mueller, a former captain for Northwestern’s defense, profiles as a highly experienced linebacker with solid agility. The 6’3, 232 lb. linebacker earned rave reviews from his coaches as a team-first leader and had a solid pro day with a 4.60-second time in the 40-yard dash.

A five-year performer for the Wildcats, Mueller was a three-year starter who averaged 85 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions per season from 2022-24. Per Northwestern’s notes, he became the first Wildcat since at least 2000, and just the third player in the Big Ten in the same period, to post 100 tackles with 5 sacks and 3 picks in the same year.

Most important for his chances to make it in the National Football League, Mueller has impressive special teams experience and has served as Northwestern’s long snapper as well. If there’s any chance for Mueller to slip onto a roster this season—whether now or down the road—showing S/T acumen will be an essential part of what he offers.

As a 2024 grad student, Mueller battled through injuries but still earned All–Big Ten honorable mention. While draft projections pegged him as a late-round choice, Mueller wasn’t selected and has struggled to find a home on NFL rosters after tryouts with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders.

Given the late timing of Mueller’s signing, Chiefs fans shouldn’t expect him to stick around for longer than a week or so, but the opportunity is there at least. But with Jack Cochrane on the mend (knee) and recent injury concerns for Jeffrey Bassa and Drue Tranquill, it makes sense to bring in Mueller to help the team get through another exhibition.

Mueller’s versatility placed him in view of the Chiefs and now he has a one-game audition against the Chicago Bears, the team he grew up rooting for as a kid from Wheaton, Illinois, to show what he can do.