3 veteran backup QBs the Chiefs Need to Consider to Compete with Buechele and Oladokun

The Super Bowl champs are in the need for a backup quarterback after Chad Henne decided to retire after the win over Philadelphia. According to the Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the Chiefs are interested in adding a veteran at the position, someone who will compete with current incumbent Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun for the role during training camp and the preseason.

The Chiefs have also started the process of looking at that option via the draft. The team has already hosted an intriguing prospect Logan Bonner from Utah State on a pre-draft visit. In less than 5 weeks, the Draft will include several quarterbacks who the Chiefs could be interested in working alongside head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes, including Stetson Bennett, Jake Haener, Clayton Tune, Jared Hall and Malik Cunningham.

If the Chiefs indeed are looking for veteran help, here are three other veteran options who would put themselves in position to be on a year-in-year-out Super Bowl contender and could end up being asked to come through in a big moment similar to Henne during this most recent championship run.

Teddy Bridgewater:

According to Nate Taylor, he suggest the best option available for Kansas City on the free agent market to fill its QB2 role: Teddy Bridgewater. “The best backup option left in free agency appears to be Bridgewater, who has posted a 90.5 passer rating in his eight-year career, Taylor wrote. I agree with him. If Bridgewater was put in the same situation like Henne, the 30-year old can still wins with his conservative decision making, the accuracy to throw at all 3 levels as a pocket passer as well as the short and intermediate areas outside the pocket. Poised in the pocket as he is unfazed by pressure in his face. Bridgewater finds ways to win games based on his 42-36 career record during the regular season. His playing style reminds me a lot of what Alex Smith used to do in KC. Because of that, Bridgewater would be a solid backup to turn to if Mahomes was ever to miss time.

Carson Wentz:

I know our fanbase would give me crap for this one but yes, I’m listing Carson Wentz on this list. NFL free agency speculation has been swirling around him since his release from the Washington Commanders. There are Vegas odds sites having the Chiefs as the top landing spot for the 30-year old former No. 2 overall pick, who threw for 1,755 yards and nine interceptions last season, completing 62.3% of his attempts. Before the Chiefs played the Eagles in 2017, Andy Reid spoke highly of Wentz saying: “He’s a big strong kid. He moves around well. He has great vision down the field so you have to maintain your coverage and stay on your guys forever. He’s a talented kid and looks like he has a bright future ahead.” Doug Pederson coached Wentz during their time together with the Eagles, so signing with a team like the Chiefs that’s he’s familiar with including QB friendly scheme led by Pederson’s mentor, Andy Reid would make a ton of sense.

Matt Ryan:

Last but not least, the former 2016 MVP Matt Ryan aka Matty Ice. The 37-year old was released with one year remaining on his contract by the Indianapolis Colts. Now, the veteran quarterback is looking for an opportunity to keep playing, despite some people arguing that Ryan should just retire and start his career in television. Considering Mahomes’ recent injury in the postseason, the Chiefs would use a reliable backup quarterback like Ryan that could step in and keep the team competitive if needed. Although Ryan didn’t have his best season in 2022, it’s not unrealistic to think that he could be competent in the Chiefs’ offense. He would make a good backup quarterback for Mahomes and the Chiefs. The four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year is also renowned for his durability; he’s missed just three games because of injury in his career which could be a benefit for the Chiefs if they go that out.