So, you’re looking for the name that’s basically synonymous with Kansas City at this point. If you’ve spent any time watching a screen in the last seven years, you already know the answer. Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s the guy with the No. 15 jersey, the State Farm commercials, and enough Super Bowl rings to make a jewelry store look modest.
But honestly? If you’re asking "who is the quarterback for the Chiefs" right now, in early 2026, the answer is actually a little more complicated than just a name.
The Status of the King (And His Left Knee)
While Mahomes is the face of the franchise, he’s currently in the middle of the most grueling recovery of his career. On December 14, 2025, during a late-season game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes went down. It wasn't one of those "he’ll be back in the third quarter" injuries. He tore both his ACL and LCL in his left knee.
He had surgery on December 15, and as of mid-January 2026, he’s hitting all his "checkpoints," but he’s not on the field yet. He wants to be there for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Whether his doctors actually let him is the $450 million question.
Why the 2025 Season Felt Like a Fever Dream
Most people get this wrong: they think the Chiefs just cruised through the last year because, well, they’re the Chiefs. Actually, 2025 was a bit of a disaster by their standards. For the first time in Mahomes’ entire career as a starter, the team missed the playoffs. They finished 6-8 after Mahomes went down, and the offense just looked... off.
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Here’s the current QB room situation:
- Patrick Mahomes: Under contract through 2031, currently rehabbing like a madman.
- Chris Oladokun: The guy currently sitting at the top of the depth chart by default.
- Gardner Minshew: Served as the primary backup in 2025, but his contract is expiring, and his future in KC is basically a toss-up.
Basically, the Chiefs are at a crossroads. For nearly a decade, they didn't have to worry about the position. Now, they're looking at a 2026 season where their star might not be ready for the opening snap.
Who's the Quarterback for the Chiefs: The Mahomes Legacy
It is hard to overstate how much Patrick Mahomes changed this team. Before he took over for Alex Smith in 2018, the Chiefs were "good." Now, they are a dynasty.
Mahomes is only 30 years old, but he’s already a three-time Super Bowl champion and a three-time Super Bowl MVP. He’s one of only five quarterbacks in the history of the sport to win three or more rings. We’re talking about a guy who holds the NFL record for the most passing yards in a single season (5,614 in 2022).
He’s the only player in the 21st century to win the league MVP and the Super Bowl MVP in the same season. He makes sidearm throws that should be physically impossible. He scrambles like he’s playing a video game. Even in a "down" year like 2025, he still threw for over 3,500 yards and 22 touchdowns before his knee gave out.
The Backup Dilemma
Because Mahomes is so durable—usually—the Chiefs haven't really invested in a "successor." They like veteran backups. Think Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert. But with Mahomes facing a nine-month recovery timeline, Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach are in a tight spot.
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There is a lot of chatter right now about who will be "The Guy" if Mahomes isn't ready by September. Names like Kirk Cousins or even Justin Fields are being floated as potential veteran bridge options. It’s weird to imagine anyone else taking the first snap at Arrowhead, but that’s the reality of the NFL in 2026.
What to Watch For This Offseason
If you're trying to keep track of the Chiefs' quarterback situation, you've gotta watch three things:
- The Rehab Updates: Mahomes is posting on social media that he'll be "stronger than ever," but watch for reports out of OTA (Organized Team Activities) in the spring. If he's not dropping back by June, Week 1 is in jeopardy.
- Free Agency: If the Chiefs sign a high-profile veteran in March, it tells you they don't think Mahomes will be back for the season opener.
- The Draft: They probably won't take a QB early, but don't be surprised if they finally grab a developmental project in the middle rounds just in case.
Mahomes is the guy. He’ll always be the guy as long as he’s in Kansas City. But for the first time since 2018, there’s a real "shadow" over the position.
Actionable Next Steps
To stay truly updated on the Chiefs' signal-caller situation, follow the Chiefs’ official transaction log during the March free agency window. This will reveal if they are bringing back Gardner Minshew or hunting for a new temporary starter. Additionally, keep an eye on injury reports from Rick Burkholder, the team’s VP of Sports Medicine, as he is the primary source for Mahomes' actual medical progress versus the PR hype.