There’s no question Patrick Mahomes was the best backup quarterback in franchise history. Serving as Alex Smith’s understudy in 2017, he might face some competition for that title this season with the addition of Gardner Minshew.
Based on all reports, the Kansas City Chiefs had an excellent offseason. They signed impact free agents, had a successful NFL Draft, and acquired their new backup quarterback from a division rival.
Gardner Minshew can best be described as a cowboy playing football. Although his career has had its ups and downs, most recently as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, he might find a long-term place in Kansas City.
NFL experts describe Patrick Mahomes as a gun-slinger, but Minshew is the backup to the greatest quarterback in the game today. He has his own roughneck style and signature mustache that set him apart from other backups in the NFL.
He’s also very talented and a perfect fit to support Mahomes. With NFL experience as both a starter and a backup, remember he made his NFL debut against the Chiefs. He has the same mentality, and he also has a big fan in Head Coach Andy Reid.
The backup quarterback in Kansas City is crucial. Reid has always selected players with experience at the position and usually finds the right guy to cover for Mahomes. It’s clear Chad Henne was the best, and his pinch-hit performance in the postseason was vital during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl runs in 2022 and 2023.
However, Minshew plays the game differently, and his infectious personality will make him a fan favorite. Also, if Mahomes must sit out one or two games, Minshew is the perfect choice to step in when needed.
I believe he will excel in this offense if given the chance, due to his similar mindset to Mahomes. Minshew has consistently pushed the envelope on the field, and although I mentioned he’s had multiple stops along his NFL journey, he could have a long-term home in Kansas City.
Based on talent alone, he’s the best backup the Chiefs have had during the Mahomes era. It’s a role that’s very important to the starter because they share the same mentality of pushing the ball down the field.
The Chiefs aim to play quickly and focus on the home run this season. If Minshew needs to step in and play, he fits nicely into the style of offense that Reid has developed for Mahomes.
His decision to join the Chiefs wasn’t tricky, and the fact that the Raiders are covering most of his contract is a nice bonus for Kansas City. I’m sure he also wants to play against his former team, and maybe that will happen if the Chiefs beat the Raiders twice this season.
Time will tell if that happens, but Minshew will get plenty of reps in the preseason, which should help him get up to speed in the Chiefs’ offense. As a backup, the job requires not only understanding the intricacies of the offense but also being prepared for any given snap to be elevated to QB1 potentially.
Like Henne, Minshew understands his role. Combine that with a willingness to perform at a high level and a mindset similar to Mahomes’, and I can’t wait to see what he can do in this offense.
