Following their Super Bowl loss to the Eagles, the Chiefs have decided to part ways with their backup quarterback, Carson Wentz, who is entering free agency in 2025. On Thursday, NFL reports confirmed that Kansas City has secured a new backup quarterback to play behind Patrick Mahomes.
In a strategic move, Gardner Minshew has joined the Chiefs on a one-year contract. Originally, Minshew had inked a two-year, $25 million agreement with the Raiders before the 2024 season. However, after just one year, he was released by Las Vegas. The upcoming stint with Kansas City marks his fifth team change in his seven-year career.
According to an announcement made on social media by NFL insiders, Minshew is now set to serve as the secondary option to Mahomes, with the deal ensuring him some guaranteed money from his previous contract with the Raiders.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Jaguars during the 2019 NFL Draft, Minshew began his professional journey coming out of Washington State. During his initial years, he played for Jacksonville, making 20 starts over two seasons. The Jaguars later traded him to the Eagles where he spent two seasons, adding nine more games to his record.
Before the 2023 season kicked off, Minshew signed up with the Colts for a year. He initially played backup to rookie Anthony Richardson, but after Richardson’s shoulder injury took him out for the season, Minshew stepped up as the starter, delivering a 7-6 record over the final 13 games. His noteworthy performance secured him a two-year deal with the Raiders.
At 28, Minshew played nine games for the Raiders in 2024 before a broken collarbone cut his season short. As Kansas City looked to fortify its quarterback roster for the 2025 season, Minshew emerged as the chosen candidate for a one-year contract. Having played in 59 games with 46 starts in his career, Minshew is now ready to assume the backup role behind Patrick Mahomes at the Chiefs.
