3 Cheap Veteran QBs the Chiefs Should Sign to Compete With Carson Wentz

The Chiefs made a major move on Monday evening, signing journeyman QB Carson Wentz to a one-year deal to presumably serve as Patrick Mahomes' backup.

However, Wentz's inconsistency and injury history can make him difficult to rely on. Blaine Gabbert is a pending free agent and Chris Oladokun is on the practice squad, so the Chiefs could potentially enter the season with just Mahomes and Wentz as QBs on the active roster.

That would be a mistake in my opinion, as I believe Kansas City should acquire some competition in the disastrous event that Mahomes should go down with injury. Let's look at three cheap veteran QBs Brett Veach should consider as competition for Mahomes' backup.

3 QBs the Chiefs Should Sign to Compete With Carson Wentz

1. Brian Hoyer

The 38-year-old Brian Hoyer has played for eight different NFL franchises with plenty of experience in a variety of systems. He's nothing special, especially at this stage of his career, though Hoyer could be a valuable backup in the right situation.

His best year is nearly a decade ago in 2015 when he threw for 2,606 yards and 19 TDs to seven interceptions in nine starts for the Houston Texans. There is no reason to expect that kind of production should Hoyer get thrown to the fire, but the Chiefs have favored older veterans before with Matt Moore and Chad Henne.

Given Hoyer's age and limited effectiveness in recent years, he'd likely agree to a low-cost deal to get one final NFL payday and a shot at a Super Bowl ring.

I'd expect Wentz to beat out Hoyer for the backup job, but it's wise for the Chiefs to explore all options in an effort to maximize this roster's potential. Hoyer hasn't been a starter in the league since 2017, though he's got enough experience to provide value to Kansas City.

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2. Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill would be a bit more expensive than Hoyer likely, but the 35-year-old is nearing the end of his career and could chase a ring in Kansas City. He'd have an advantage over Wentz in a competition for the backup role, as he's the most proven free agent QB remaining on the market.

The former Dolphins and Titans' signal-caller was replaced by Will Levis last year, though still averaged 7.8 yards per attempt with 2,536 passing yards in 12 games in 2022. Tannehill's best year likely came in 2020 with 3,819 yards, 33 TDs and just seven interceptions, helping keep Tennessee in the playoff picture.

While he led the Titans to a No. 1 seed previously, he's never reached a Super Bowl and could help cement a successful career by making a deep playoff run even as Mahomes' backup.

Tannehill would be a bit of a luxury signing, though it's always wise to prepare for a worst-case scenario. If disaster strikes and Mahomes is forced to miss multiple games, Tannehill is the best available option and could be reasonably trusted more than Wentz.

If Wentz beat Tannehill out for the backup job, more props to him. You want an intense competition for the backup job and there's better choice to provide that than Tannehill.

3. Trevor Siemian

The Chiefs should be plenty familiar with Trevor Siemian, who had mixed results as the Broncos' QB in his first three years in the NFL.

He's played for the Jets, Saints and Bears since, learning different systems with the occasional spot start. In four games with New Orleans in 2021, Siemian threw for 1,154 yards and 11 TDs to three interceptions.

While I wouldn't trust Siemian as a long-term starter, he fits the mold of a veteran that could jump on field in a pinch and operate Kansas City's offense. He's got the ability to maneuver outside of the pocket and seems to be a willing backup.

He's turnover prone, notably throwing 14 interceptions to 12 TDs with the Broncos in 2017, but backup QBs are backups for a reason. Siemian would provide strong competition for Wentz and at this point, that's all you can ask for.

Whether the Chiefs go with one of these options or look elsewhere for competition, expect a corresponding move as we approach the draft and get set for a new season.

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