Chiefs Exuding Confidence in Mahomes Backup
The Kansas City Chiefs will have a new backup quarterback on the roster this season, but like in years past, it is someone with a lot of NFL experience under their belt.
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Last year Carson Wentz sat behind superstar Patrick Mahomes on the depth chart. This year, it will be free agent signee Gardner Minshew.
Head coach Andy Reid believes Minshew's veteran presence will greatly benefit Mahomes and the offense.
"He's been there — he's started, so he's got that,' Reid said in a press conference. 'He's got the confidence of the guys around him. Patrick knows he's been in there and done it, so they can bounce things off of each other."
Minshew likely won't have trouble adapting to the unique offensive scheme Reid and Mahomes have been carving up defenses with for years in KC.
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Minshew is a product of the "air raid" system in college under then Washington State head coach Mike Leach. Mahomes played under a similar philosophy at Texas Tech, the place Leach first introduced the revolutionary offense to the college ranks.
After one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Minshew joins his fourth team in four years, but Reid believes that experience in invaluable - wherever it is from in the NFL.
"It's always good to have peers that have played, and you can talk to them about it a little bit," Reid added. "I think on game day he'll be great with Patrick, just with what he's seeing from the sideline and what Pat's seeing when he's in there.'
Minshew has started in 22 of the last 27 games he's played in over the last two seasons. While he won't see that much action in Kansas City (ideally), he'll be able to recognize defenses to offer Mahomes insight, having seen them on the field recently.
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The 29 year old is a former sixth round pick in 2019 of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Last year was one of his worst statistical seasons of his career, throwing for 10 interceptions and over 1,000 less yards than his 2023 campaign.
He's often a viral internet sensation with his boisterous locker room personality and electric mustache. That energetic presence, along with football knowledge, hopes to make an impact on a Chiefs team that is on the precipice of making a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
Related: Mahomes' New Backup Finds Parallels in 'Air-Raid' Upbringings
Related: TV Analyst Rips Chiefs Andy Reid Legacy With Patrick Mahomes Claim
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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