The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with quarterback Shane Buechele on Tuesday, cutting ties with a veteran who will now have a chance to join a playoff roster. Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick pointed this out, offering that, "Waiving Shane Buechele allows for any of the remaining playoff teams to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he can sign with any remaining team’s practice squad … including Buffalo, where he was a few weeks ago." It is an extremely classy move for a Kansas City front office that remains a respected group of decision makers.
Buechele was brought to Kansas City as needed depth with both Gardner Minshew and Patrick Mahomes suffering knee injuries that ended their respective seasons. KC Sports Network's Kent Swanson noted that Buechele left a great situation in Buffalo, where there was stability offered at the position and a chance to contend in a potential playoff run. This was sacrificed when the QB signed with the Chiefs to have the opportunity to play.
It speaks to the football character of a quarterback who wanted a chance to get on the field and prove himself capable of continuing his career. Now, the Chiefs rewarded Buechele for jumping ship by granting him a release that allows the signal caller a chance to return to the Bills or find a landing spot with a franchise offering the veteran a chance at a ring.
Chiefs Make Classy Decision Allowing Shane Buechele Chance at New Landing Spot
Perhaps part of the reason Kansas City was so willing to work with the quarterback is its history, which dates back to the 2021 season, when Buechele was brought in as an undrafted free agent. He would remain a backup option behind Patrick Mahomes through 2022 and earn a Super Bowl ring with the franchise. The last two seasons have been spent on a practice squad or in a backup role with the Bills behind Josh Allen and Mitch Trubisky.
Buechele completed 50 percent of his throws in Week 18 for 88 yards without throwing a touchdown or interception. Based on how many players were shut down for the Chiefs' offense, it is tough to decipher the ceiling of the backup. Regardless, it is a fitting move for an organization coming off an incredibly frustrating season to open up opportunity.
With Minshew slated to become a free agent, the Chiefs have every reason to seek out stability at the position with Mahomes coming off ACL surgery. Instead, the franchise was more interested in doing right by a player who sacrificed a better landing spot for a chance to earn time in the lineup. It is a great move that speaks to GM Brett Veach and a group of decision makers who remain respectful of their players and create opportunities even after parting ways with the franchise.