5 QB Options Chiefs Could Pursue in Free Agency

Preparing for his second NFL start on Sunday (3:25 p.m. CT, CBS/KCTV, Channel 5, 96.5 The Fan), Chris Oladokun has earned a lot of respect over his first two outings. But Oladokun, 28, is a free agent after this season and could test the market.

It’s an interesting decision for Kansas City, which could need a quarterback to step in and win September games while Mahomes fights to return.

Here are five free-agent options the Chiefs could consider.

1-Gardner Minshew

First, the all-important update on Minshew’s left knee injury: According to insider Ian Rapoport, Minshew’s ACL in intact but he did suffer a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture in the Dec. 21 loss at Tennessee. Essentially a bad bone bruise per Rapoport, Minshew won’t need surgery but will need time to heal.

The league’s most exciting free-agent quarterback, Willis is expected to generate a lot of interest, however. Count his current team, Green Bay, among those highly interested in his 2026 services.

5-Marcus Mariota

The Chiefs have mostly painful memories of Mariota in Arrowhead Stadium, thanks mostly to the touchdown pass he completed to himself that helped upset Kansas City in the 2017 playoffs.

But Veach and Reid could easily wash away that sour taste and sign Mariota. Like Willis, the quarterback doesn’t have a lot of experience in Kansas City’s system. Still, Mariota’s professionalism, athleticism and 114 NFL games, including playoffs, would be a strong addition to the Chiefs.

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