Per Mike LaFleur, “It’s the same as where we were a few weeks ago… We’ve had contact, I’ll leave it at that.” Hence, Brissett’s absence from OTAs doesn’t shock the head coach, but it might open the door for another two quarterbacks.

Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck can now see how the QB1 battle can open up for them. The fact is Brissett is not exactly a top-tier QB, in fact, he’s always been a backup. For Minshew and Beck, this is great as they can go ahead and try to compete.

Minshew and Beck could be more promising than Brissett

Minshew has been a starter previously and is regarded as one of the best backups in the NFL. He is a rebel and goes beyond to try and defy the odds. Brissett is somewhat like that, but the fact is Minshew might be more accurate, though has less arm.

As for Beck, he is younger (Minshew is also younger), and has, on paper, a higher ceiling than Brissett. Beck was picked in the third round, so the fact is he could be a sleeper and might get QB1 reps if Brissett and Minshew don’t show out.

The Cardinals are underdogs in every game of the season

In a rare move, the Cardinals are the underdogs according to the Vegas odds in all 17 games of the regular season. It doesn’t matter who their opponents are, according to the bookmakers, the Cardinals are not better than them.

“You know, honestly right now we’re focused on the guys that we got coming in. You got the unit that we have, you know…Gardner, and Jacoby, and Slovis. And then we draft Carson Beck in the third round. He’ll be here Thursday finally, we’re trying to do some zoom staff,” the head coach said via Jim Rome. “So, we got a room that we’re excited to work with and that’s solely where my focus is.”

It’s clear that LaFleur has experience with Brissett and Minshew, although Rodgers’ pedigree would obviously provide a significant upgrade in quality. What will ultimately be A-Rod’s destination for the upcoming 2026 season?

What role will Carson Beck play?

Following his selection as the first pick of the third round in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carson Beck enters a wide-open Arizona Cardinals quarterback room with a legitimate chance to see the field early. Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign with the Miami Hurricanes where he threw for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a highly efficient 72.4% completion rate, Beck provides the kind of polished pocket presence.

While coach Mike LaFleur has yet to name a starter for the upcoming season, the narrative in camp suggests that the QB1 battle tightens with a healthy Carson Beck now in the mix. If the rookie can translate his elite collegiate production and championship-level experience into the pro system during the summer, he may very well jump the veterans on the depth chart before the season opener.

Brissett’s current situation in Arizona

Despite being the frontrunner for the QB1 spot, Jacoby Brissett is currently at a contractual crossroads with the Arizona Cardinals. Although he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $4.88 million in 2026—with a total cap hit of $9.19 million—the veteran quarterback has notably skipped the team’s early offseason programs.

Brissett is reportedly seeking a contract extension that reflects his status as a starter, as his current deal only includes $1.5 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season. While the front office has expressed a willingness to address his request, the recent arrival of Gardner Minshew and the drafting of Carson Beck have sparked league-wide rumors that the Cardinals could potentially move Brissett by the trade deadline if a long-term agreement isn’t reached.

Obstacles to Rodgers’ arrival in Glendale

The Steelers placed a rare UFA tender on Rodgers, allowing him to make $15 million in a 10% raise from last year. However, Rodgers could still command a bigger deal elsewhere. While the Arizona Cardinals have cap space, they may hesitate to meet these demands given their recent draft investment in Carson Beck and the signing of Gardner Minshew.

Furthermore, because of the tender, any team signing the 42-year-old veteran would have to surrender a valuable compensatory pick to Pittsburgh, a high price that likely keeps Rodgers from heading to the desert.

Per ESPN, an anonymous Power Four defensive coordinator said about Beck, “I think he’ll be solid. I don’t think he’ll be special. Whether it’s poise or accuracy at key moments, he just seems to have too many misses.”

Those are some harsh words regarding how the opposing defensive coordinators saw Beck. Now, Beck was a second-round pick, so the fact is expectations were never that high to be quite fair.

Beck landing on the Cardinals could be a make-or-break event in his career

The Cardinals could potentially have one of, if not the weakest (on paper) QB room in the NFL. Brissett and Minshew are backups fighting for a starting spot. Hence, if Beck impresses, he could get the starting gig right from the get-go.

However, if Beck fails to even make this a debate, his career might start with him being a backup and never getting the chance to become a starter. Hence, it’s one of those moments where the rookie must be ready to step up.

The Cardinals are in a bad situation overall

The Cardinals are optimistic with Mike LaFleur coming in as the head coach. Besides, they drafted a generational talent like Jeremiyah Love at running back. The Cardinals also have awesome skill position players.

Still, they are in a bad situation. They don’t have a star quarterback, their defense is not precisely elite, and the division in which they play is as tough as one can be. The San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams all had 12+ wins last season. The Cardinals had three.

According to Adam Schefter, Minshew reached an agreement today on a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cardinals, confirming his departure from the Chiefs after spending last season as the backup to Patrick Mahomes. The agreement marks the end of his short stint in Kansas City’s quarterback room.

The Chiefs are now left with the following quarterbacks on the depth chart: Patrick Mahomes (injured), Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener. That situation could move Oladokun into the primary backup role or even the starting spot while Mahomes remains sidelined, unless the Chiefs decide to bring in another quarterback.

The Kansas City Chiefs will continue making the necessary moves to position themselves as contenders while they still have key stars active on the roster. Players such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce remain central pieces for the franchise, and there are already important developments surrounding them as the offseason progresses.

The numbers of Gardner Minshew

The numbers of Gardner Minshew show a quarterback who can provide experience, even if some statistics have worked against him. As for Minshew, he last saw significant action in 2024, when he completed 203 of 306 passes for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In 47 career starts, he holds a 17-30 record.

The latest moves by the Chiefs

The most recent news, which could generate excitement among Chiefs fans, involves Travis Kelce. According to Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are giving free agent tight end Travis Kelce a one-year, $12 million deal that has a max value of $15 million, meaning Kelce will play at least one more season with the Chiefs.

And it is not only the return of Kelce, which was one of the most anticipated developments. Insider Jordan Schultz, via his X account, shared more details about the deal between running back Kenneth Walker and the Chiefs. He will sign a three-year contract worth $43.05 million, with the potential to reach up to $45 million.

Additionally, the journalist noted that Kenneth Walker will have $28.7 million guaranteed. It represents a major addition for the Chiefs, and even Patrick Mahomes has already welcomed Walker. He started all 17 games, rushing for 1,027 yards on 221 carries, 4.6 yards per attempt, and scoring five rushing touchdowns, while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards in the NFL.

“Invaluable. The last four years, I don’t have an older brother, but he’s probably one of the closest things I have to it. He’s been so great with me in terms of my development. I mean, I look back and where I started my rookie year to now. He’s helped my career on and off the field so much. I can never repay him for what he’s done for my career up to this point.”

Oladokun was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released just months later. However, the following week after that move, the Chiefs decided to give him an opportunity in the NFL, and since then he has gone back and forth on Andy Reid’s active roster.

Who is Chiefs starting quarterback now?

Chris Oladokun is now the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, as Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew are sidelined with injuries. The QB admitted during an interview with the team’s official network that he had been waiting a long time for this opportunity.

“Four years of preparation. I feel like, when I’m out there, it’s just almost like practice. I’ve taken so many mental reps in the back and in the shadows when Pat’s up and Gardner and those guys. When the lights are on, that’s when I play my best. I’m out there playing free.”

Considering that Mahomes is expected to be out for at least nine months, Oladokun has a big chance to secure his spot on the roster for next year. Because of that, the player knows the NFL is a roller coaster and expressed his gratitude for the support of his coaches and teammates as Denver’s game wasn’t an easy task.

“Things are definitely happening fast. That’s for sure. You play Sunday and then you go into a Christmas game in a short week. The coaches did a great job just simplifying everything and making it easier for me and the guys. I can’t say enough about their effort and all of them having my back out there as well. We didn’t get the outcome we want, but I’m super proud of the way we fought. We were one play away of winning the game.”

“I’m proud of Chris for going out and jumping in at quarterback on a short week and handling what he needed to handle there. I thought he did a good job at running things and executing when needed.”

Oladokun, a former Pittsburgh Steelers player, had to take over after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew were ruled out for the rest of the season with knee injuries. These late-season games could be key for him to remain on the roster heading into 2026.

Who will be the Chiefs starting QB?

Chris Oladokun will be the Chiefs’ starting quarterback for the final game of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. Shane Buechele will serve as the backup, as Andy Reid can no longer count on Patrick Mahomes or Gardner Minshew.

What happened to Patrick Mahomes?

Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the Week 15 game between the Chiefs and the Chargers. The quarterback is expected to be sidelined for nine months while he recovers.

The Chiefs’ depth chart is clear heading into the game against Denver. Chris Oladokun sits at the top of the list as the No. 1 quarterback, while Shane Buechele would be the next option in case of an emergency. Star quarterback Mahomes is sidelined with an injury, and Minshew is also unavailable.

Kansas City is dealing with a quarterback crisis. Mahomes is not expected to return until 2026, while Minshew is dealing with a knee injury that is not as severe. Mahomes’ injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, making his absence far more significant.

How much experience does Oladokun have

Between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Oladokun appeared in a total of two games with the Chiefs, one in each year. His experience at the NFL level is extremely limited, and he has primarily served as a practice squad quarterback since 2022. That was the year he entered the league after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Since 2022, Oladokun has completed 11 passes on 16 attempts. He has not thrown a touchdown or an interception during his time with the Chiefs, the only team where he has managed to maintain a longer stay. He has also recorded 12 rushing yards.

The Broncos are expected to take advantage of the absence of Mahomes and Minshew, as Kansas City’s offense is likely to struggle without them. However, Oladokun’s familiarity with the system and his years within the organization could lead to a different and potentially surprising outcome.

“He looks forward to it every week. He prepares himself every week to go. So, that’s been an easy transition as far as him with the verbiage and such. So, he jumps in and gets it. He sits behind the offensive drill there and they mock it, the two quarterbacks. Backup quarterbacks mock it as if they’re in. They make the calls and then go about it. So, they stay fresh on that. He’s in a pretty good position that way.”

The Chiefs’ season has taken a shocking turn. After being Super Bowl favorites at the start of the year, they are now eliminated without their franchise quarterback and without their backup as well. An unbelievable ending for the dynasty.

Who did Chiefs just sign?

The Chiefs have just signed Shane Buechele to be the team’s backup quarterback after losing Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew to injury. He was on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.

Who is Chiefs QB after Patrick Mahomes injury?

Chris Oladokun is the Chiefs’ starting quarterback following Patrick Mahomes’ injury and after it was confirmed that Gardner Minshew is also out for the rest of the season.

Andy Reid admitted that Mahomes has been a great example for Oladokun in his preparation. “He spends time at it. He does when he’s a backup. He does the same thing. He doesn’t have to change a whole lot for this part because he prepares himself that way anyways, but, Pat’s a great example of how to go about it and he’s watched him close. He’s followed right in suit there.”

“It has definitely been crazy… Just a lot of prep getting ready for this game. Super excited to go out there and show the world what I’ve got,” Oladokun said Wednesday ahead of the Chiefs‘ Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos on Christmas.

Oladokun had already dropped a bold admission for Reid to hear about his performance replacing Minshew against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, and now he’ll get to prove his worth by playing quarterback from the start.

It’s been quite a turnaround for the Tampa native, who was part of the roster cuts both in 2024 and 2025 before rejoining the Chiefs on practice squad contracts. Now that he’s starting, Oladokun promised Reid that he will seize his opportunity.

“Internally, it really motivated me,” Oladokun said about being released by the Chiefs in 2024 before returning later in the campaign. “It made me look in the mirror about what I needed to get better at… If I get another chance, I won’t let it slip.”

Oladokun had to wait for his chance with Chiefs

Oladokun found a home in Kansas City when the Pittsburgh Steelers cut him just months after selecting him in the seventh-round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but it took him years to get playing time.

After a brief 2024 cameo in which he recorded just five snaps, including one rush for five yards, Oladokun made his second NFL appearance when Minshew got injured against the Titans on Sunday.

The Chiefs lost 9-26, but Reid’s message for Oladokun was positive, regretting not giving him more preparation during the week. The South Dakota State product stepped up in challenging circumstances, completing 11 of 16 passes for 111 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, taking four sacks.

Oladokun set to finish 2025 as Chiefs QB1

Such a performance allowed Oladokun to make a clear statement to Reid about the Chiefs QB job with Minshew and Mahomes injured, with the quarterback feeling confident of being the right guy for the job.

The coaching staff in Kansas City appears to believe in him, at least for the time being. The Chiefs did sign a new quarterback in Shane Buechele, who knows Oladokun and Reid from a previous stint at Arrowhead. But that move was simply to add depth in the QB room for the final two games of the year.

Oladokun auditioning for 2026 contract with Chiefs

It’s fair to wonder what will happen in 2026 though. With Mahomes‘ recovery taking up to nine months, the Chiefs will need healthy quarterbacks in training camp and preseason.

Minshew was expected to audition for an extension, but his injury might force the team to consider other candidates. In this situation, now it’s Oladokun who appears to be playing for his future in Kansas City.

He knows the system but also knows what it’s like to be let go, an experience he doesn’t want to go through again. Based on his recent promise, expect Oladokun to make an effort to impress Reid.

After four years in Kansas City, mostly with the practice squad, Oladokun sent a clear message to Reid about being the Chiefs QB with Minshew and Mahomes injured. The 28-year-old revealed he’d always prepared as if he’d play, and the opportunity arrived late in the 2025 NFL season.

On Sunday, Oladokun was tossed into the fire when Minshew hurt his left knee, but his response was quite encouraging. Speaking to the media after the Week 16 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Oladokun let Reid know he didn’t feel under pressure. On the contrary, the quarterback admitted that taking the field was something he was craving for all this time.

“That the moment wasn’t too big for me,” Oladokun said. “I felt really calm out there. Felt like I was seeing things pretty good, game didn’t seem too fast for me. And you just never know how you’re going to react in those situations until you’re in it. I’m never too high, never too low in those moments. So, it was good to go out there and get some live regular-season snaps because that’s just something that I haven’t really had these past four years.”

Oladokun’s response in the Chiefs loss to Titans

Fortunately for the quarterback, Reid approved Oladokun’s performance as the Chiefs QB without Minshew or Mahomes, regretting not preparing him with more reps in practice before the Titans game.

Despite the lack of participation during the week and being activated on short notice, with the Chiefs adding him to the 53-man roster only a day before the game, Oladokun was up to the task—even if Kansas City suffered a 9-26 loss.

With 11 completions on 16 attempts for 111 yards, the 2022 seventh-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers proved capable of moving the chains, putting his team in field-goal range more than once.

Oladokun couldn’t complete a touchdown but didn’t have turnovers either, despite being sacked four times. Not bad considering it was only his second game in the NFL, having logged just one rush for five yards in a brief appearance in 2024.

Oladokun still Chiefs QB1 to finish 2025 despite new signing

With not much time to prepare for the Christmas game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oladokun is in line to make his first NFL start. The Chiefs may have signed a new QB by poaching Shane Buechele off the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, but that was only to add depth behind Oladokun. With Minshew and Mahomes out, the team needed another healthy player in the QB room.

“Test also showed that Gardner Minshew did not tear his ACL as feared, per sources. He is expected to miss time, but his ACL is intact,” NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on his X account.

The Chiefs witnessed their starting quarterbacks, Mahomes and Minshew, go down with knee injuries in back-to-back weeks of the 2025 NFL season. While having two veteran signal-callers sidelined is a tough blow to morale and the team’s aspirations, learning that Minshew has avoided a serious injury comes as a sigh of relief.

Tough week for Reid’s Chiefs

Coming into the 2025 NFL season, it’s safe to say no one had the Chiefs losing by three possessions to the Tennessee Titans on their bingo cards. Still, after Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15, the prospect of Kansas City losing on its visit to Nashville wasn’t as shocking. However, the manner in which the Chiefs fell to a league bottom-feeder raised several alarms in the City of Fountains.

Minshew’s stats against Titans

Before exiting the game with a knee injury, Minshew completed just three passes for 15 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He registered a QB rating of 8.3—easily the worst mark of the year for a Chiefs signal-caller. Chris Oladokun, who made his career debut after being signed off the practice squad, posted a 24 QBR.

It’s tough to see the glass as half full for the Chiefs at the moment. The dynasty is facing crucial hours, and Mahomes is not physically able to put the team on his back. It may truly be the end of an era in the NFL. Fans in Kansas City knew this day would arrive sooner or later, but they never expected it to come in such a heart-crushing fashion. Even Reid seems to be speechless as the house of cards comes crushing down in Kansas City.