Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes ended just as Patrick Mahomes’ season ended with a torn ACL after 14 games. Since the injury occurred so late in the season (December 14), it is likely that Mahomes will not be ready to start in Week 1.
While the Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time since 2014, another 6-11 season would not be acceptable for a team that has won three Super Bowls since 2019. On Monday, the Chiefs traded for former first-round quarterback Justin Fields. Many assumed he would take over as Mahomes’ backup and/or take over the Chiefs’ QB1 duties until Mahomes was ready.
But, what if he was brought in to provide coach Andy Reid with a specific piece to his offense, even if that means using specific packages or possibly a tush push? Certainly Mahomes won’t be suddenly used in that role, especially after suffering a torn ACL.
In other words, what if the Chiefs are still eyeing another, more traditional QB to join the depth chart?
Recently, the Chiefs were reported to be discussing signing Russell Wilson in free agency.
Florio wrote, “On Monday morning, before the Chiefs traded for former Jets quarterback Justin Fields, someone was throwing spaghetti over the question of whether Kansas City was keeping an eye on Russell Wilson as Patrick Mahomes insurance.”
While that idea may have gone away after adding Fields, what if signing the 10-time Pro Bowl QB is still on the table? After all, as Florio later said, there aren’t many clear-cut starting opportunities left.
Eventually, Wilson would have to give up his pride and accept the role of backup QB. Unless, of course, he wants to play at all and remain unsigned, in the hopes that one of the team’s starters will suffer an injury that will keep him out for a good portion of the season.
After all, there aren’t many quarterbacks available who are as capable as the former Super Bowl winner. Plus, after starting just three games last season, the 37-year-old won’t be able to demand much as a free agent, especially if his phone isn’t going off.
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