The veteran backup quarterback inks a deal with Arizona, leaving Kansas City with a notable void behind Patrick Mahomes.
It has been a busy few days for the Kansas City Chiefs, both good and bad.
Tight end Travis Kelce is expected to return for one more season. The bad news is that cornerback Jaylen Watson followed Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams.
And, in a big move, the Chiefs agreed to a deal with Seattle Seahawks running back and reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to a massive deal in free agency.
The Chiefs also agreed to sign New England Patriots defensive tackle/fullback Khyiris Tonga to a deal.
But, another departure took place on Monday: Veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew.
Minshew agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with the Arizona Cardinals, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Minshew replaced Patrick Mahomes after he suffered a torn ACL, but in Minshew's first start in 2025, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in a tough turn of events.
There was a sense that the Chiefs would bring back Minshew, especially with Mahomes recovering from the injury, although the Chiefs' star quarterback expects to be ready by Week 1.
Minshew was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He then spent two seasons in Jacksonville, two with the Philadelphia Eagles, and a year each with the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs.
So, this will be the fifth team in the last five years for Minshew, and it is a return to the NFC.
In 2023, Minshew played in every game for the Colts, throwing for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also made some starts for Las Vegas in 2024.
The Cardinals released Kyler Murray, meaning the QB1 spot is open, although one Arizona insider mentioned that Jacoby Brissett will be the starter even with Minshew coming to town.
Whether or not that is the sense from new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur remains to be seen, at least officially. Plus, $8 million for a backup quarterback is a lot of money.
For the Chiefs, they have Chris Oladokun, who stepped in to finish the season at QB for Kansas City. But, Minshew's departure leaves a very costly hole on the roster.
And, the Chiefs have been hit hard early on, although bringing back Kelce and signing Walker are huge moves that should soften the other blows, such as McDuffie and Watson.