Kansas City Chiefs Sign Popular Pro Bowl Quarterback In Surprise Move After Patrick Mahomes’ Disastrous Super Bowl Performance

Following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, Gardner Minshew II has decided to stay with the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Kansas City Chiefs are signing the veteran journeyman quarterback to a one-year deal. Minshew will back up superstar Patrick Mahomes, with the team moving on from 2024 second-stringer Carson Wentz.

Gardner Minshew II signed a two-year deal with the Raiders last year after nearly leading the Indianapolis Colts to a surprise playoff appearance in 2023. Minshew struggled in his 10 game appearances with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and the Raiders cut ties with him after acquiring Pro Bowler Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.

A sixth-round pick (178th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Minshew quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his rockstar hair and slick mustache. Minshew went 6-6 as the Jags’ starter that year with 21 touchdowns against only six interceptions, highlighted by three fourth-quarter comeback wins.

Sources: Free-agent QB Gardner Minshew reached agreement today on a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. A new backup for Patrick Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/2CNbhoEM2g

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025

Gardner Minshew II was unable to repeat that success in 2020, however, and he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 after the Jags used the No. 1 pick that year on Trevor Lawrence. Minshew spent two years as Jalen Hurts’ backup.

With rookie Anthony Richardson missing most of his rookie year, Minshew was the Colts’ primary starter in 2023. He went 7-6 with 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions, and Indy narrowly lost a win-or-go-home Week 18 game against the Houston Texans.

For his career, Minshew II has a 63.3 completion percentage, 11,190 passing yards, 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 59 games.

Gardner Minshew II Will Benefit From His Short Stint In KC

He didn’t have any success in Las Vegas, but the Chiefs should be a good short-term home for Minshew II. He gets to learn behind the league’s best quarterback and arguably the best offensive-minded coach of all time in Andy Reid.