With Mahomes sidelined, Minshew offers proven veteran experience to steer the Chiefs' offense through uncertainty. A logical reunion emerges for both parties.
The Kansas City Chiefs lost superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a torn ACL in December. Then, the next game, they lost backup QB Gardner Minshew to a season-ending knee injury, although it wasn't an ACL tear as was initially reported.
That meant Chris Oladokun finished the year as the Chiefs starter, although he didn't turn too many heads in his limited opportunities.
With Mahomes' status for Week 1 of the 2026 season up in the air, the Chiefs need to find a QB who can man the ship until No. 15 is fully ready to take over control again.
Will that be Minshew?
Nick Shook of NFL.com listed eight quarterbacks that should re-sign with their teams this offseason, and he had Minshew and the Chiefs listed here.
"It seems unlikely Patrick Mahomes will be able to return from his December ACL injury in time to start Week 1 next September. Chris Oladokun failed to capitalize on his opportunity to claim a backup spot on the Chiefs' depth chart entering 2026. Minshew suffered a season-ending knee injury of his own, but it wasn't an ACL tear. He should be ready to play sooner than Mahomes, bringing veteran backup experience to a Kansas City team that suddenly needs it more than ever. If the Chiefs receive optimistic news on Mahomes' timetable for return, they might only temporarily need a steady hand to keep the offense afloat to start the season. Minshew proved his worth as an injury replacement in 2023, when he filled in for Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis and kept the Colts in postseason contention."
After the Denver Broncos lost Bo Nix to a season-ending injury in the divisional round, questions swirled about whether or not Minshew is good enough to take over if that were to happen for the Chiefs.
To be frank, there aren't too many backup QBs in the league who can step in and keep the offense afloat for playoff-caliber teams.
But, the Chiefs tried Oladokun, and it didn't work. The Chiefs could draft a QB, but this year's class is severely underwhelming outside of Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza.
Minshew knows the offense, and he is a veteran who has filled in various times throughout his career. Plus, he probably won't get many offers with him recovering from a knee injury, so a reunion makes some sense for Kansas City.
Now, Mahomes does plan on being back by Week 1, so that's a positive development, but many things can happen over the next nine months, and the Chiefs should find a way to have some sort of security blanket.