The Kansas City Chiefs have a reason for urgency when it comes to finding depth behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the 2026 offseason. The star signal-caller is rehabbing after tearing his ACL and will be a question mark for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
That's why it's crucial to bring a reliable backup who's an emergency option that provides a clear upside. Shane Buechele perfectly fits this description and already has experience with the Chiefs, with two K.C. stints under his belt — including when he faced the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18.
Despite not starting the game, Buechele found his way into the lineup and completed half of his passes for 88 yards. After that performance, the Chiefs made an extremely classy move after the end of their season, releasing Buechele to allow him to sign with the Buffalo Bills in a potential playoff run.
Kansas City had no reason to help another AFC team but chose to give Buechele an opportunity. Now, it could help the Chiefs re-sign him, with NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reporting that Buechele is off his practice squad contract and free to sign with any team.
Door for Potential Chiefs-Shane Buechele Reunion Is Open
In many ways, Buechele is still an unknown, having played in only one game despite being 28. Head coach Andy Reid's system knows how to get the most out of its quarterbacks and would be a great landing spot for the quarterback to develop. There is also the fact that Kansas City remains an enticing landing spot for free agents, based on the fact that only one season of Mahomes' career has the team come short of making the AFC Championship.
Buechele will be joining an environment with proven championship potential as well as a coaching staff that gets the most out of its quarterbacks. No question, it makes sense for both sides to consider a reunion and go ahead and solidify at least a bit of depth at the position.
It also helps that Buechele has now spent parts of three seasons with the Chiefs, giving him a good idea of what Reid's staff demands from its players. That could make him a better backup option than what Kansas City could find this offseason, whether through free agency or the 2026 NFL draft.
Mahomes needs to have the security of a reliable backup situation that won't put more pressure on the star to return from injury. Kansas City must be extremely cautious with the return of its star, who suffered the first serious injury of his career.
With this in mind, the Chiefs bringing in Buechele helps set the table, giving them a quarterback they can trust and a reunion that'll look even better if the ex-SMU gunslinger can take that next step.