KC Chiefs: Shane Buechele has future backup quarterback potential
The KC Chiefs signed SMU quarterback Shane Buechele after the 2021 NFL Draft concluded. They gave him a $15,000 signing bonus to seal the deal.
While the Kansas City Chiefs might have their quarterback of the future in Patrick Mahomes, the backup quarterback spot is a tossup after the 2021 season. Chad Henne likely holds the position down this year but he’ll be a free agent following the end of the season and that’s when it’ll be time for the Chiefs to find a new backup for Mahomes.
On the roster prior to the draft were Mahomes, Henne, former XFL standout Jordan Ta’amu, and former Washington State quarterback Anthony Gordon. The Chiefs added an intriguing name to the bunch following the 2021 NFL Draft — SMU’s Shane Buechele.
Some might remember Buechele for his days at Texas where he spent three seasons before getting unseated by Shane Ehlinger (also a part of this draft). Buechele transferred to SMU for the final two years of his eligibility and threw for 7,024 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in 23 games.
The #Chiefs gave Shane Buechele a $15,000 signing bonus plus a $160,000 base salary guarantee, per source. He was in demand, and Kansas City won out. https://t.co/BC8ikqeNLm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2021
Shane Buechele could be the future backup quarterback of the KC Chiefs.
No one is unseating Patrick Mahomes as the starting quarterback but as we’ve seen over the past few years, injuries happen and when they do, having a capable backup to step in for Mahomes is key. Matt Moore saved Kansas City’s season when Mahomes was injured during a Thursday night game in Denver and Henne’s long scramble on third and forever was what helped get KC to their second straight Super Bowl.
Buechele going undrafted was a bit surprising given his stats and the fact that he’s a fairly big name when it comes to college quarterbacks, but the Chiefs had to be ecstatic to land his services. He could very well beat out Ta’amu and Gordon for the third spot on the roster and is someone to keep an eye on after Henne’s contract is up.
Must Read. Chiefs All-Decade Team for 2010s. light
This was definitely the biggest UDFA signing for the Chiefs and even though Buechele would only be fighting for a backup spot in Kansas City, he could make a nice career for himself learning from Mahomes and Andy Reid and maybe winning a few Super Bowl rings along the way.
Not a bad spot to be in at all.