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Gardner Minshew Makes History As Patrick Mahomes' Backup

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 6:12 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have brought back many of their star players as they look to make yet another run to the Super Bowl next season, but they've made a bit of history with a recent signing.

The Chiefs signed journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew to a one-year deal this week, and Minshew will bring an unexpected quality to the Chiefs' quarterback room - youth.

For the first time in his career, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have a backup who is younger than him.

Chad Henne, Matt Moore, Blaine Gabbert and Carson Wentz were all older than the three-time Super Bowl champion when they arrived in Kansas City. Minshew is a year younger than Mahomes, who will turn 30 this season.

Moving to a younger backup is a testament to Mahomes' talent and longevity in the league. It's hard for players to make it to a second contract in the NFL, much less to the age of 30. Mahomes has done it while being arguably the best player in the league over the last half decade.

The Chiefs have made five trips to the Super Bowl with Mahomes, winning three and losing two. They are the preeminent dynasty in the NFL, and even though they were not able to win a third straight Super Bowl last month, they are still one of the top teams to beat in the league.

Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and Andy Reid will all be back for the 2025 season as Kansas City looks to move past their embarrassing loss in the big game.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 9: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs stands for the national anthem before Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

They were thoroughly dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, their first loss in the big game since falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55.

Minshew has proven himself as a viable NFL quarterback, nearly leading the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs two seasons ago after stepping in for an injured Anthony Richardson.

The Chiefs will hope that they won't have to use Minshew for an extended period of time this season, but they can rest confidently knowing that they have just signed one of the NFL's best backup quarterbacks.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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