There is no debate that Chris Oladokun has been one of the more interesting stories of the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason. Based on the fit and potential impact, this is completely understandable. However, it does become somewhat surprising when you consider the fact that it has been a more relevant topic than the addition of a new quarterback.
After parting ways with Carson Wentz in free agency, the Chiefs brought in former rival Gardner Minshew as the team's primary backup. Why is Oladokun the bigger story?
The answer to this question is simply based on the generational greatness and stability of Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City fans only need to concern themselves with who the backup quarterback is at the end of the season. When Mahomes sits down for an early week off with the Chiefs already having locked up the AFC, is the only time that the position seems to matter. Minshew getting so little attention is, in many ways, a further testament to the best player in the league.
Chiefs' Quarterback Gardner Minshew Given Little Fanfare
Missing games isn't something that happens until they no longer matter. There is a bit of LeBron James in the Chiefs quarterback in the fact that both can suffer what appear to be career-changing injuries, only to be back leading their team minutes later. To call the quarterback a gamer would be a vast understatement. With that said, another piece of this puzzle is the potential depth that the corner offers an already great defense.
If the Chiefs are going to return to a fourth straight Super Bowl, the secondary has to take a step forward. While Minshew is holding a clipboard, the depth corner has a far higher chance to impact the team on defense. As odd as it might be for a corner to overshadow a far more popular position, it makes plenty of sense beyond a first glance.
Minshew isn't going to be taking any meaningful snaps for the Chiefs this season, is what the history of the league's best quarterback tells us. This adds up to the depth piece having a far more interesting path to making the Chiefs' roster and perhaps play his way into a meaningful role. Regardless, the point remains that Minshew's place is established while the defender's is still very much up for debate.