The Kansas City Chiefs have a difficult decision to make when it comes to how to find a reliable answer behind Patrick Mahomes. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew is getting ready to hit free agency, while Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL, leaving room to wonder if a backup could be forced into action at the start of the year.
Gardner Minshew, who's also a free agent, sustained a season-ending injury, while Chris Oladokun proved he couldn't handle the pressure in relief. Jake Haener, who was signed to the roster last month, doesn't exactly induce confidence, either.
With this in mind, it makes sense for the Chiefs to pay attention to the 2026 NFL draft class to add not only someone they believe is capable of starting, but a quarterback who could be a long-term backup or future trade chip.
Fortunately, the perfect option will be available come April, and likely won't involve the Chiefs burning a first-round pick.
Miami's Carson Beck Could Be a Chiefs 2026 Draft Target
Miami Hurricanes QB Carson Beck is coming off a solid season, passing for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, and a 157.0 passer rating. Before making a playoff run with Miami, Beck spent time under head coach Kirby Smart at Georgia, playing for two well-respected programs.
With that in mind, the turnover issues (24 interceptions in his last two seasons) have left Beck as a likely Day 2 selection. That works out in the Chiefs' favor, as they could potentially draft him with this year's 40th or 74th overall selections.
Beck can be prepared to start just in case Mahomes isn't ready to roll at the start of the year. It saves cap space, which is crucial when Kansas City still needs to upgrade its pass rush, backfield, and wide receiver room.
If the Chiefs wanted any indication of how well-respected Beck was by rival teams, the reaction to his NFL scouting combine debut provided the answer. Beck was loudly booed by the pro-Indiana crowd, which has no love for the Hurricanes, making him the type of polarizing player who'd fit in well with the Chiefs.
Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy shouldn't have any problem molding Beck into a viable option, addressing any concerns he may have, such as his turnover proneness. His experience playing in big-time moments, such as this year's CFP National Championship Game, will make it even easier to fit in with Kansas City's winning culture.
Even if Mahomes doesn't miss any time, Beck is an exciting development piece who could provide the Chiefs' with backup QB stability for years to come. Assuming that he's still on the board on Day 2 and Kansas City still has ammunition left in the chamber, general manager Brett Veach will have an obvious decision to make.