No, the Chiefs didn’t want another QB, per se. But they had to fill in Carson Wentz‘s void. That’s it. So, they pulled off a move that probably won’t shake up your fantasy football draft but is worth talking about: Gardner Minshew to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup. Nothing crazy, right? Until you realize—this is the first time Mahomes will have a younger backup. Ever!

Let that sink in. Since Mahomes took over as Kansas City’s QB1, every guy holding the clipboard behind him has been a veteran on the back nine of their career. Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Blaine Gabbert, Carson Wentz—guys with more years in the league, guys with experience, guys who knew their role.

But Minshew? He’s 28. Mahomes turns 30 this year. And while it might not seem like a big deal, it quietly signals something: Mahomes is now that guy. The established star. The QB others come to learn from, not just compete with.

However, more than ‘the age factor,’ it’s about insurance. Kansas City is coming off a brutal Super Bowl loss, one that left a bad taste in their mouths. They know Mahomes is the franchise, but what happens if he tweaks an ankle in week 5? That’s where Minshew comes in.

And say what you want about him—he’s not just a “break glass in case of emergency” quarterback. The guy nearly dragged the Colts to the playoffs when Anthony Richardson went down. Have you forgotten already? Minshew had a passer rating of 84.6 with 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 17 games in 2023. Well, it didn’t stop at that: he got his first call-up to play in the Pro Bowl.

So, he’s got a taste of performing in high-pressure games before. Then, that’s an automatic certificate for Minshew to be a perfect fit for an Andy Reid system. He’s got that aggressive, gunslinger mentality. He’s played in Air Raid offenses before. Even he knows it: “I’ve always been a huge fan of Coach Reid’s offenses. I always felt that was something I could do well in. Pat came up in Air Raid, and I did as well.”

If you’re a backup QB in this league, why wouldn’t you want to learn from Reid and Mahomes? The Chiefs aren’t expecting Minshew to see the field, but that’s never a guarantee. Injuries happen. Seasons go sideways. And when they do, the difference between staying in contention or watching the playoffs from home often comes down to the guy behind center when your starter isn’t there.

So yeah, maybe this signing doesn’t move the needle. But it tells you a lot about where the Chiefs are. Patrick Mahomes is QB1, the veteran now. The window for championships is still wide open. And if disaster strikes? Well, at least they’ve got a guy who’s proven he can keep a team afloat.

Patrick Mahomes is not a runner because he doesn’t have to be

Patrick Mahomes scrambling? Sure. But running like Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts? That’s not his game. He steps up, moves when he has to, and then—boom—flicks a perfect dart downfield. It’s why the Chiefs’ rushing attack has never been the focal point. But here’s the thing: Kansas City just signed Elijah Mitchell, and now the question is—do they need another back?

Last season, the Chiefs ranked 26th in rushing yards per game. That’s… not great. And yet, they still went 15-2 and made their third straight Super Bowl. Isiah Pacheco carried most of the load when healthy, Kareem Hunt chipped in, and Carson Steele barely saw the field. Now, Mitchell joins the mix, but is he enough? “It’s a good start,” as Charles Goodman put it, “but that’s all it is.”

The concern isn’t just about 2025—it’s about the long game. Outside of Steele, every running back on this roster is on a one-year deal. Pacheco is the lead guy for now, but what happens if injuries hit again? Mitchell missed all of 2024. Hunt is pushing 30. There’s no clear long-term answer. That’s why the draft looms large. With a deep running back class, Kansas City could snag a young back to push the veterans and solidify the position for years to come.

Andy Reid isn’t going to suddenly transform the Chiefs into a run-heavy team. That’s not how you play when you have Mahomes. But adding a rookie back isn’t just about balancing the offense—it’s about having options. If the Chiefs want revenge for last season’s Super Bowl loss, they can’t be ranked 26th in rushing again. They don’t need a superstar runner, but they do need reliability.

So, will they pull the trigger in the draft? That’s the big question. Mitchell being 100% healthy is great, but relying on a guy who’s played just 27 games in four seasons is risky. If Kansas City is serious about keeping this dynasty rolling, they’ll need more than just hope in the backfield.