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Gardner Minshew Joins Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes’ New Backup

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Gardner Minshew is heading to Kansas City, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Chiefs.

Minshew will be the new backup to Patrick Mahomes, replacing Carson Wentz, who is currently a free agent.

The Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with Minshew on Wednesday, just one year into his two-year, $25 million deal.

Minshew outperformed Aidan O’Connell in training camp to win the Raiders’ starting quarterback job last year. However, he struggled, throwing for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 10 games – nine as the starter – before a broken collarbone sidelined him for the season. The Raiders finished 2-7 in his starts.

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In his six-year career, Minshew has thrown 68 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 59 games, including 46 starts, with the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.

Minshew’s most productive season came in 2023 with the Colts, when he threw for a career-high 3,305 yards over 17 games, including 13 starts, leading Indianapolis to a 7-6 record in those starts.