New Chiefs QB’s Clear Message to Patrick Mahomes as Chiefs Receive Major Injury News

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 the 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. 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.

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