Chiefs release Chris Oladokun before 2026 season

The Chiefs have three quarterbacks on their roster. Head coach Andy Reid will depend on starter Patrick Mahomes and he will be backed up by Justin Fields and third-teamer Garrett Nussmeier.

Oladukon completed 35 of 55 passes last season for 235 yards with 1 TD pass last season. He was sacked 8 times for 93 yards in losses.

The Chiefs suffered losses in both games that Oladukon started.

Oladukon had gained a reputation as a hard working player who stepped in after Mahomes was injured last season and the Chiefs had been eliminated from playoff consideration. Oladukon had more experience with the Kansas City offense than any of the backup quarterback candidates, but the Chiefs decided not to bring him back for the 2026 season.

The Chiefs had been perennial AFC powers prior to last year’s 6-11 season. The Chiefs are hoping that Mahomes can stay healthy for a full season and the team can return to playoff contention and regain the AFC West title. The division was won by the Broncos last year, and that team made it to the AFC Championship game where they were defeated by the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs are hoping that an improved running game can take pressure off of Mahomes and that the quarterback won’t have to be the dominant figure on an every-week basis. The Chiefs added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker as their primary running back.