Patrick Mahomes enters the 2025 season with Gardner Minshew as his new backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Minshew previously started nine games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 before signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs. He signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders but lost the starting role after struggling in the first few games. Minshew finished the season with a 2-8 record in the 10 games he played, passing for 2,013 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Despite his recent struggles, Minshew had a standout season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 3,305 yards with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Minshew’s career began in 2019 when he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round. Over six years in the league, Minshew has started 46 games, compiling a record of 17-29. He has thrown for 11,950 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions. In Kansas City, Minshew follows in the footsteps of Carson Wentz and Chad Henne as Mahomes’ backup quarterbacks. The Chiefs hope Minshew won’t need to step into a starting role, as that would likely mean Mahomes is dealing with an injury. Stay updated on sports news through Fox News Digital’s coverage and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
During the 2024 season, Minshew had a rocky start with the Raiders, starting the first five games before being benched in favor of Aidan O’Connell. He regained the starting role in Week 8 but suffered a collarbone injury in Week 12, ending his season early. O’Connell took over as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the year as the Raiders struggled to find consistency. Despite Minshew’s challenges in 2024, he has shown flashes of potential throughout his career, including his standout year with the Colts in 2023. While the Chiefs hope Minshew remains a backup, they are confident in his abilities should he be called upon to start.
Minshew’s journey in the NFL has been filled with ups and downs, from being drafted by the Jaguars in 2019 to starting for the Raiders in 2024 and now backing up Mahomes for the Chiefs. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset for any team, especially as a backup quarterback who can step in if needed. The Chiefs’ decision to sign Minshew reflects their commitment to building a strong roster and ensuring they have depth at every position. As they head into the 2025 season, the Chiefs are looking to defend their status as one of the top teams in the league, with Mahomes leading the way and Minshew ready to support him in any capacity.
Minshew’s statistics over the years paint a picture of a quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced challenges along the way. His Pro Bowl season with the Colts in 2023 showcased his potential, but his performance with the Raiders in 2024 raised questions about his consistency. Despite his struggles, Minshew has proven that he can compete at a high level in the NFL and provide valuable contributions to his team. With the Chiefs, Minshew will have the opportunity to learn from Mahomes and continue to grow as a player, making him a valuable asset for the team both on and off the field. As he enters the 2025 season with the Chiefs, Minshew is ready to embrace his role as a backup quarterback and contribute in any way he can to help the team succeed.
