The Kansas City Chiefs head into the offseason with plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. Patrick Mahomes has made it clear his desire and intent to be ready for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. However, there is no way to predict how Mahomes might fare upon his return or when that will take place, given how late in the season the star quarterback tore his ACL. Added to the level of urgency to improve the position is the fact that Gardner Minshew is slated to hit free agency, leaving zero viable options rostered if Mahomes misses time.
Kansas City needs to ensure the franchise adds an option not only capable of backing up Mahomes, but laying the groundwork for the tone of the 2026 season by giving the team a chance to win. There should be little doubt that Mahomes will do everything humanly possible to be ready in time, but exercising caution is advisable, leading to three potential quarterback targets Kansas City should consider.
1. Joe Flacco
If the Chiefs were forced to miss Mahomes for a game or two, it would be the perfect runway for Flacco to come out firing. The veteran quarterback doesn't shy away from taking risks and, in truth, is one of the league's most enjoyable backups to watch step into any starting lineup. On Oct. 16, 2025, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Flacco proved he's still capable of lighting up a scoreboard, passing for 342 yards and three touchdowns in an impressive performance for the Bengals.
Flacco is a gunslinger who is fun to watch for a short window and more than capable of beating a talented roster in the flip of a coin. You're bringing in a capable starter that can take pressure off Mahomes if the quarterback isn't ready or a great backup option. It makes sense to at least explore in the offseason
2. Jameis Winston
The current New York Giant is a sensible trade target, with the franchise making it clear they are building around Jaxson Dart. Having Winston in the building would provide the Chiefs with great energy and bring an experienced starter who can give Mahomes a bit of time off, either at the end of the season after the division has been clinched or to start the campaign if the signal caller isn't ready. Winston has bounced around the league as a backup and part-time starter after spending his early seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Winston joining the Chiefs has only one roadblock: whether or not the Giants want to start fresh at the position behind Dart. The 2025 season saw Russell Wilson begin the year as the starter before the team turned to Dart, who was in and out of the lineup with injuries. This is the only potential hiccup in what is otherwise a perfect fit.
3. Jimmy Garoppolo
The last time that Garoppolo played for one of the league's most talented offensive minds was in the Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers. While the handful of seasons before now haven't been kind to the veteran, there is still starting experience in games with incredibly high stakes. Having Garoppolo on your bench is a luxury the Chiefs should be considering heading into the 2026 season. Currently, the Los Angeles Rams' backup is still alive in the playoffs, sitting behind Matthew Stafford.
It seems likely that Garoppolo would be willing to jump to Kansas City with the idea that starting could be a viable option at the start of the 2026 season. For the Rams, much will be determined by whether or not Stafford wants to continue playing. If the veteran returns for another year, it is viable that Stetson Bennett will step in as the backup, allowing Garoppolo the chance to give the Chiefs an answer behind Mahomes.