The Kansas City Chiefs are back in full swing. Kicked off their 2025 season with a month-long global celebration. Football fever is rising from the heart of Kansas City to fans worldwide, all eagerly counting down to Red Friday and the preseason games that will set the tone for the year. But beneath the fanfare, there’s a small storm brewing over the quarterback position – and not the kind that involves competition. That’s because Andy Reid is weighing an unusual decision: benching Patrick Mahomes. Yes, the same Mahomes, entering his ninth NFL season, eighth as Kansas City’s starter, and holding more “fastest to” records than anyone else in league history.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid admitted there’s a good chance Mahomes might not play in the upcoming showdown against the Seahawks. Big Red, on the final training camp practice told reporters, “There’s a good chance he [Mahomes] doesn’t [play], but we’ll see how it goes.” Reid’s plan is clear: protect his superstar while giving the rest of the team – especially the young talent – a chance to prove themselves on tape. As the Chiefs prepare to face the Seahawks on August 15, fans can expect a blend of careful management. And flashes of exciting football to whet their appetites for the regular season ahead.

After a brief cameo in the preseason opener against the Cardinals, where he threw a one-yard touchdown on his only pass before being carefully pulled to preserve his health, Mahomes is focused and ready. So, it’s not about doubting Patrick Mahomes’ ability. This is the same QB who last season broke Peyton Manning’s record for most touchdown passes in a quarterback’s first eight seasons, reached 30,000 passing yards faster than anyone in history, and holds 78 career wins through 100 starts. The choice is simply about preserving him – and testing everyone else.

That’s where Andy Reid’s long-game mindset kicks in. Despite recent doubts about the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl window closing, Andy Reid remains confident in his team’s resilience. Last season, the Chiefs reached their fifth Super Bowl in six years. While the offense had its struggles and the wins were narrower, Reid pointed out the team’s ability to win close games as a key strength. The Chiefs face stronger competition within the AFC West this year. Rivals like the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders are improving their rosters significantly. But in Kansas City, protecting him means knowing exactly what the roster can do without leaning on No. 15 for every single big play. 

A quarterback’s plea behind the Chiefs’ perfect front

Amid the excitement, Patrick Mahomes isn’t exactly thrilled about the possibility of being a spectator. He says he’ll be ready to play on Aug. 5 and make the most of any opportunities during the game. “I always want to play & be out there. I trust in Coach Reid & his process fully,” Mahomes said. It’s as diplomatic as you’d expect from the face of the franchise, but make no mistake – that’s a competitor talking.

And he’s got the receipts to prove it. Year nine in Kansas City, year eight as the starter, and the record book already has his fingerprints all over it. Youngest ever to win both an MVP and a Super Bowl. All while hitting the 25,000-yard mark in just 83 games and rewriting the Travis Kelce connection history. This isn’t just elite; it’s a career built on never blinking, no matter the moment.

If he sits against Seattle, there’s a chance Reid gives him a rare preseason finale appearance. That’s not typical for a franchise QB, but Mahomes says he’ll be ready. Whether he’s actually unleashed is another story. For now, the most important player in Chiefs history is waiting. Ready to go, but stuck in a preseason holding pattern while his coach runs the big-picture game.