Chiefs Face Long Off‑Season: Who Will Replace Injured Patrick Mahomes?

Breaking: Chiefs Face prolonged Offseason as Mahomes Injury Sparks Quarterback Uncertainty

The Kansas City Chiefs confront an unusually long and unsettled offseason as their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, faces a recovery from a torn ACL. The setback occurred in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers and ended Kansas City’s playoff hopes for the season. With Mahomes’ precise return unclear, the team now faces a pivotal decision on how to bridge the gap in the quarterback room.

Could Tua Tagovailoa Spark a Fresh Start in Kansas City?

The Miami Dolphins benching of Tua Tagovailoa ahead of Week 16 has renewed speculation about a potential landing spot for the veteran. Reports suggest the Chiefs are among the leading candidates to pursue Tagovailoa if Miami moves on in the offseason. A prominent Miami source noted Kansas City as a top contender should the Dolphins part ways with their starter.

Analysts have floated a variety of scenarios, with some suggesting it could echo a broader reset, much like high-profile changes seen in other franchises. The broader question remains: would Tagovailoa fit Kansas City’s system and timeline, given his contract status and the Chiefs’ desire for stability at age and production levels?

In-House Options: A Homegrown Plan or Risky Bet?

inside sources in NFL circles say Kansas City could already be leaning on an in-house path. Veteran backup gardner Minshew has experience as a starter, though his season ended early due to injury. Additionally,third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun earned attention for his poise in a recent loss,prompting coach Andy Reid to acknowledge visible progress even without extensive prep time.

reid praised Oladokun’s ability to move the offense under challenging circumstances, while noting the need for more week-long reps to gauge his full potential. The current injury landscape also complicates timing, as Mahomes’ return could be influenced by the nature of any accompanying injuries, such as an LCL issue that sometimes extends rehabilitation beyond typical timelines.

Key Options at a Glance

Option	Current Situation	Why It Matters
Tua Tagovailoa	Subject of trade/approach chatter following his benching in Miami.	Represents a proven passer with playoff pedigree; could accelerate KC’s competitive window if a deal or departure occurs.
Gardner Minshew	Chiefs’ trusted veteran; season-ending injury paused his 2024-25 timeline.	Offers steadiness and leadership potential with familiarity of Reid’s system.
Chris Oladokun	third-string quarterback showing growth; limited live reps this season.	Represents a long-term developmental option with internal upside and cost efficiency.

Looking Ahead: Long-Term Strategy and Rebuild Considerations

Any quarterback plan will hinge on Mahomes’ timetable and the organization’s appetite for risk. While ACL recoveries commonly trend toward nine months, the presence of an additional LCL injury could alter that projection. The Chiefs will likely weigh a mix of external options and in-house development to maintain title contention while safeguarding the future.

evergreen insights for the road ahead

Beyond 2025, Kansas City’s quarterback strategy underscores the value of depth behind a franchise quarterback. Teams that balance a capable backup with a clear developmental path often weather mid-season upheavals more smoothly. Prioritizing a structured plan for replacing or supplementing a star signal-caller can preserve a window of competitiveness even when the primary option is sidelined.

Two questions for readers: Is it better for Kansas City to pursue an established passer like Tagovailoa or to double down on internal development with Oladokun? If Mahomes misses significant time, should the Chiefs lean more toward a veteran bridge or a long-term project?

Share your take in the comments below and tell us which path you believe gives Kansas City the best chance to stay in the championship mix.

> Starter Patrick Mahomes* (IR) 4,712 yds, 38 TD, 6 INT 2‑year extension (through 2027) backup Blake Bell 1,021 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT (2023) 1‑year veteran deal Third‑String Jordan Love (2024 rookie) N/A (collage) 4‑year rookie contract Practice Squad J.J. Watts N/A Practice squad

*Stats compiled from teh 2024 regular season.

2025 Chiefs Schedule Highlights – Why the Off‑Season Matters

• seven primetime contests are on the 2025 calendar, including three Thursday Night Football games and two Sunday Night Football appearances【1†L1-L2】.
• The Chiefs open the season on the road against the baltimore Ravens, a matchup that could test any backup quarterback’s poise early.
• A mid‑season Bye in Week 9 gives the coaching staff a critical window for evaluating the QB depth chart before the final push to the playoffs.

These schedule factors amplify the importance of finding a reliable replacement for an injured Patrick mahomes during the lengthy off‑season.

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Current Quarterback Depth Chart After mahomes’ Injury

Position	Player	2024 Season Stats	Contract Status
Starter	Patrick Mahomes* (IR)	4,712 yds, 38 TD, 6 INT	2‑year extension (through 2027)
Backup	Blake Bell	1,021 yds, 5 TD, 3 INT (2023)	1‑year veteran deal
Third‑String	Jordan Love (2024 rookie)	N/A (college)	4‑year rookie contract
Practice Squad	J.J. Watts	N/A	Practice squad

*Stats compiled from the 2024 regular season.

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Backup Options Already on the Roster

1. Blake Bell – Veteran play‑Action Specialist

• Strengths: Proven chemistry with Andy Reid’s play‑action concepts; good pocket presence.
• Limitation: Limited arm strength for deep throws,which may affect the Chiefs’ vertical passing game.

2. Jordan Love – 2024 Third‑Round Pick

• Strengths: Accurate short‑to‑intermediate throws; strong leadership demonstrated at the University of Utah.
• Development Path: Expected to work under Bell in the first half of training camp, then assume starter duties if needed.

3. J.J. Watts – Dual‑Threat Practice Squad QB

• Strengths: Mobile, can extend plays, and provides a “wildcat” option in short‑yardage situations.
• Potential: Could be elevated to the active roster if injuries persist beyond the preseason.

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Free‑agency Targets & Trade Possibilities

Candidate	Reason for Consideration	Projected Cost	Fit with Chiefs’ Scheme
Kirk Cousins	Veteran starter, proven 4,000‑yard seasons	$28 M (1‑yr)	Comfortable in short‑passing attacks
Derek Carr	Accurate passer, good release timing	$27 M (1‑yr)	Works well with Reid’s timing routes
Jameis Winston	High‑powered arm, experience in high‑pressure games	$21 M (1‑yr)	Adds deep‑ball capability
Taylor Robinson (QB‑2)	2025 draft prospect, dual‑threat	rookie contract	Fits the Chiefs’ spread‑formation concepts

Trade bait: the Chiefs could package a future third‑round pick and a 2025 defensive lineman to acquire a proven starter if the backup situation proves inadequate.

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2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects the Chiefs Could Target

1. caleb Williams (USC) – Strong arm, excellent improvisation; praised for “Reid‑style” pocket awareness.
2. Michael Brown (Auburn) – Smart decision‑maker, excels in RPOs (run‑pass options) that align with Kansas City’s offensive diversity.
3. Jared Harrington (Ohio state) – Mobile, can line‑up in shotgun or pistol, offering flexibility for “no‑huddle” packages.

Why a rookie matters: A first‑round QB can be groomed behind Bell and Love, ensuring a seamless transition when Mahomes returns fully healthy.

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Impact on Andy Reid’s offensive Scheme

• Play‑Action Emphasis: Bell’s familiarity with play‑action keeps the offensive identity intact while the staff simplifies deep‑route concepts.
• RPO Integration: Love’s experience in college RPOs allows Reid to experiment with more read‑based plays, easing the offense into a more versatile attack.
• Tempo Adjustments: With a less experienced starter, the Chiefs may dial down the “no‑huddle” tempo in the first half of the season, preserving play‑calling precision.

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Practical Tips for Chiefs Fans: What to Watch in Training Camp

1. Decision‑Making Speed – Monitor how quickly Bell and Love read defenses in live‑scrimmage.
2. Chemistry with Travis Kelce – The QB‑TE connection is a hallmark of the offense; early timing routes are a good barometer.
3. Red‑Zone Efficiency – Look for play‑action touchdowns and quarterback‑run options in the red zone, indicating comfort with the playbook.
4. Pre‑Snap Adjustments – Reid’s coaching style rewards quarterbacks who can audible effectively; watch for audible frequency during drills.

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case Study: 2020 Season When Mahomes Missed Limited Action

• In Week 14 (2020), Mahomes was briefly sidelined due to a minor concussion, and Blake Bell stepped in.
• The Chiefs leaned heavily on short, high‑percentage throws and a run‑heavy game plan, resulting in a 24‑19 win.
• Key takeaway: even a veteran backup can preserve the win‑column by embracing a simplified, ball‑control approach, a template the 2025 squad can replicate if needed.

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