Around the same time last year, quarterback Gardner Minshew arrived in Kansas City. He had only two things in mind: to be the best backup to  Patrick Mahomes and to visit as many cattle farms in Missouri as possible. So, during the regular season, he appeared in four games and started one, and the past summer, he made a trip to a farm in Liberty. But when the Chiefs didn’t make it to the postseason and his one-year contract was coming to an end, Minshew was mentally prepared to hit the road once again, as he had done many times before.

Mahomes’s injury last season took with it whatever playoff hopes the Chiefs had left. That is when Minshew stepped up to fill in. But now, that same quarterback is leaving Kansas City for a better deal. Hear it from the Chiefs themselves:

“Chiefs Kingdom appreciates you, @gardnerminshew5. Thanks for everything!” the Chiefs’ official Instagram account wrote for Gardner Minshew on social media.​

The quarterback arrived in Kansas City last offseason on a one-year, $1.17 million deal. That contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, putting Minshew back on the open market for the fourth time in his career. Now, he has signed a one-year, $5.8 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. The move comes after the Cardinals released Kyler Murray. Minshew joins Jacoby Brissett, who is likely to be Arizona’s starter for the 2026 season, and steps into a familiar backup role once again.

What does this mean for the Chiefs? It would have made a lot of sense to bring back Minshew for another year, especially after Mahomes’ injury. The franchise trusted Minshew to start when Mahomes was not available. While he is in Arizona now, the Chiefs will have to look for a backup elsewhere. Interestingly, Russell Wilson, Tyrod Taylor, and Zach Wilson are the only available quarterbacks who fit Kansas City’s requirements amongst a few more options.

Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener (reserve/futures) are the only other quarterbacks on their roster currently.

That said, the rumors connecting Wilson to the Chiefs have been bubbling for the past few days. He is the most experienced player available as a veteran depth option. If the franchise lands Wilson, he will probably be the best and most famous backup Mahomes has ever had.

Last season, he appeared in six games and started three for the New York Giants. While his 0-3 QB record was discouraging, he has proven himself in the past few seasons. All this brings us to Mahomes. What’s going on with him?

Just days ago, he was seen at the BYU vs. West Virginia March Madness game. Fans saw him limping, and many jumped to the conclusion that he might not be ready to start by the time the next season rolls around. However, reports from earlier this month suggest that he could be ahead of his schedule in recovery. So, the Chiefs’ general manager, Brett Veach, has an important decision to make.

But even if Mahomes returns in time to start the next season, he will need a dependable backup. In the worst-case scenario, if Mahomes is injured next season, they will need a backup who can bail the team out of difficult situations.

Patrick Mahomes eyes suiting up in Week 1, but Kansas City still needs answers at QB

In Week 15 last season, with just two minutes left in the game, Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in his left knee. He underwent surgery shortly after to repair the damage. Since then, the Chiefs quarterback has been working his way back, and the early signs are encouraging. Mahomes has set his sights on being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.

“It’s been going great,” Mahomes said in January. “Obviously, long term, I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctor said I could be.”​

His recent public appearances have only added to that optimism. Mahomes attended the Big 12 Conference basketball tournament, and he was spotted without any visible braces on his leg, though he was seen with a slight limp.

But even with Mahomes trending toward a Week 1 return, the Chiefs cannot afford to be caught off guard again. Kansas City currently has Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener on its roster. Oladokun has spent two years in the league and made just two starts, ending them with a 0-2 record. Meanwhile, Haener came to Kansas City from the Saints, carrying just one career start and a 0-1 record to his name. He has largely served as a backup to Derek Carr since being drafted in 2023 and saw the field as a starter only once in 2024.

Neither option inspires much confidence as a true emergency starter. Looking at the free agency market, the Chiefs will have to pick suitable names.