If you’ve spent the last few years watching Patrick Mahomes play like a real-life video game character, you probably never gave much thought to the guy standing on the sidelines with a clipboard. I mean, why would you? Mahomes has been the iron man of the NFL. But things got weirdly real in Kansas City recently. The question of who is the Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback isn’t just trivia anymore—it’s basically the most important storyline heading into the 2026 season.
Honestly, the "Mahomes Insurance Policy" is a job that comes with massive pressure and zero room for error.
Right now, the name you need to know is Gardner Minshew.
The Chiefs signed the veteran "Minshew Mania" mastermind to a one-year deal back in March 2025. At the time, it felt like a classic Andy Reid move—grab a guy with 40+ starts, a cool mustache, and enough moxie to keep the plane in the air if the pilot needs a break. But then the nightmare happened. Mahomes went down with a torn ACL and LCL late in the 2025 season during a brutal loss to the Chargers.
Suddenly, the backup wasn't just a backup. He was the guy.
The Gardner Minshew Situation (and Why It's Complicated)
Minshew stepped into the fire immediately, but the luck in KC has been... well, non-existent lately. In a bizarre twist of fate, Minshew also suffered a season-ending knee injury just a week after Mahomes went down. It was like a "glitch in the matrix" for the Chiefs' training staff.
Here is the thing about Minshew's injury, though: it wasn't an ACL.
💡 You might also like: The Chicago Bears Hail Mary Disaster: Why Tyrique Stevenson and Bad Luck Changed a Season
Because his injury was less severe, Minshew is currently on track to be healthy way before Mahomes is. As we sit here in January 2026, the Chiefs are staring at a massive gap. Mahomes is the GOAT, but even he can't teleport through an ACL rehab. Most experts don't expect him back for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
That makes Minshew—or whoever they re-sign/bring in—the de facto starter for the foreseeable future.
- Age Factor: Minshew is actually the first backup in the Mahomes era who is younger than Patrick himself.
- Performance: Before he got hurt, Minshew struggled a bit. He threw a heartbreaking interception that essentially killed the Chiefs' 2025 playoff hopes.
- Contract: He was on a one-year "vet minimum" style deal because the Raiders were still paying him part of his old salary. That deal is ending.
The Chiefs have to decide if they want to run it back with Gardner or look elsewhere. With Mahomes potentially missing the start of 2026, they can't afford to get this wrong.
Who is the Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback? Meet Chris Oladokun
If you really want to dive into the deep end of the depth chart, you have to talk about Chris Oladokun.
Oladokun is 28 years old and has been the "ultimate survivor" in Kansas City. He’s been on and off the practice squad for years, basically acting as the scout team version of whatever mobile quarterback the Chiefs were facing that week.
When both Mahomes and Minshew went down in late 2025, Oladokun was the last man standing.
📖 Related: Steelers News: Justin Fields and the 2026 Quarterback Reality
He’s a seventh-round pick out of South Dakota State (originally drafted by the Steelers) who hasn't had much "meaningful" NFL action until this recent catastrophe. He’s athletic, sure. He knows the system better than anyone. But is he the guy you want starting a season-opener in 2026? Most Chiefs fans would tell you that if Oladokun is starting, something has gone "horribly wrong."
Wait, it already did.
The "Veteran Retread" Philosophy in Kansas City
Andy Reid has a very specific "type" when it comes to his QB2. He doesn't usually draft and develop kids behind Mahomes. He wants someone who has "seen it all."
Look at the history of who is the Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback over the last few years:
- Chad Henne: The legend. The man who came in and saved playoff games with his legs and "Hennething is Possible" attitude. He was the blueprint.
- Matt Moore: Came off his couch to help the Chiefs win games when Mahomes had that scary kneecap dislocation in 2019.
- Blaine Gabbert: Had a brief stint where he basically just made sure the trophy didn't get dusty.
- Carson Wentz: Spent the 2024 season in KC. It was a one-year experiment to see if Reid could "fix" the former MVP candidate. Wentz left for a potential starting opportunity (or a better backup gig) after that one year.
The pattern is clear. Reid wants a veteran who can process the playbook instantly. Minshew fits that mold perfectly, even if his 2025 "audition" was marred by that ugly interception against the Chargers.
What Happens in 2026?
This is where things get spicy. The Chiefs finished the 2025 season at 6-11. That is... not a typo. For the first time in a decade, Kansas City isn't in the playoffs. The silver lining? They actually have a decent draft pick for once.
👉 See also: South Dakota State Football vs NDSU Football Matches: Why the Border Battle Just Changed Forever
General Manager Brett Veach is at a crossroads.
Do you use a high draft pick on a "bridge" quarterback? Or do you trust that Minshew’s knee heals up and he can hold the fort for 4-6 weeks while Mahomes finishes his rehab?
The chatter around the league right now is that the Chiefs might look at someone like Bailey Zappe or even a veteran free agent to provide more competition. Zappe spent some time in KC's system before, so he knows the "Reid-speak" required to run this offense.
Why this matters for the rest of the team
The backup QB situation ripples through everything. Think about Travis Kelce. He’s nearing the end of his career. Does he want to spend his final seasons catching passes from a backup while Mahomes is on the mend? The Chiefs' front office has to convince their veterans that the 2026 season isn't a "lost year" just because the superstar is in the training room.
The backup QB in KC used to be a guy who sat on the bench and wore a nice hat. In 2026, that guy is going to be the face of the franchise for at least a month or two.
Actionable Insights for Chiefs Fans
If you're trying to keep track of the roster moves this spring, here is what you should be watching for:
- Free Agency (March 2026): Watch if the Chiefs offer Minshew an extension. If they don't, it means they are looking for a massive upgrade or a different style of veteran.
- The Draft (April 2026): Keep an eye on the second and third rounds. If KC takes a quarterback there, that person is likely the primary backup and the "Mahomes Insurance" for the next four years.
- Recovery Updates: Follow the injury reports for both Mahomes and Minshew. If Minshew’s recovery stalls, the Chiefs will be forced to sign a "big name" veteran to start Week 1.
The days of ignoring the backup QB in Kansas City are officially over. Whether it's Minshew, Oladokun, or a fresh face from the draft, the person holding that clipboard is about to become the most talked-about athlete in Missouri.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official Chiefs transactions list throughout February. The team usually makes its "depth" moves early to ensure they have a stable room before the draft chaos begins.