The Kansas City Chiefs are shaking things up as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season. Recent reports indicate that the team has added free-agent quarterback Gardner Minshew to their roster on a one-year deal. This move marks a shift in backup QB dynamics, as Minshew steps in to take over for Carson Wentz, serving as the reliable understudy to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Minshew, who spent the previous season with the Las Vegas Raiders, has experienced quite a ride in the league. Last season, he shared starting responsibilities with Aidan O’Connell, playing in 10 games and racking up 2,013 passing yards, nine touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. It wasn’t his first go-around as a starter, though; Minshew previously showcased his potential during a full season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, where he played every game, throwing for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Before his time with the Colts and Raiders, Minshew donned the jerseys of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The highlight of his career came during his rookie season in 2019, where he burst onto the scene with 3,271 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Altogether, Minshew has played in 59 games, accumulating 11,950 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions throughout his career. His experience makes him a solid contingency plan should Mahomes miss time due to injury, and having a player with this kind of ability backing up the league’s second-highest-paid QB is crucial.
The Chiefs are no strangers to high-stakes pressure, as they recently faced a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. In their pursuit of a third consecutive championship, they fell short, losing by 18 points, 40-22. Despite that setback, the Chiefs, under Mahomes’ leadership, have claimed three Super Bowl titles during his tenure, adding to the franchise’s storied history of four championships overall. As they look ahead to the 2025 season, there’s palpable excitement about what Minshew can bring to the table.
Minshew is the latest addition to a growing list of free-agent signings for the Chiefs this offseason, joining running back Elijah Mitchell, cornerback Kristian Fulton, and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore. With this strategic approach to building depth, the Chiefs are clearly focused on maintaining their competitive edge. As the new season approaches in September, fans can anticipate a thrilling campaign filled with potential as Kansas City aims to further solidify its legacy in the NFL.
