Chiefs expected to make big QB move amid Patrick Mahomes injury

The Kansas City Chiefs need to reboot the program after a disappointing season.

The Chiefs weren't going anywhere with this version of the team before Patrick Mahomes suffered an ACL injury on Sunday. The 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention.

The Chiefs have three more games remaining the regular season, and their focus is shifting to the big picture for 2026.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Mahomes could miss the beginning of the 2026 regular season as he recovers from torn ACL and LCL injuries, which takes approximately nine months to heal from.

Will the Kansas City Chiefs draft a QB in 2026?

With Mahomes' status up in the air before the offseason, Dan Graziano believes Kansas City will add help at quarterback. The Chiefs could make a big move by drafting a developmental quarterback.

"Mahomes will rehab, and they'll probably go through the 2026 offseason program with some combination of a veteran backup quarterback and a younger developmental one," Graziano wrote. 

Drafting a developmental quarterback would be a somewhat risky proposition for the Chiefs. As evidenced by a 6-8 start even with Mahomes starting, the roster has plenty of holes to be addressed via free agency and the draft in the offseason. 

Drafting a quarterback would take away from needs at tight end, defensive back, running back, defensive line and offensive line. 

With Mahomes' hefty contract, the Chiefs will live and die by his ability to lead the offense. However, Kansas City must also plan for the veteran quarterback to face injury concerns in the future. Mahomes will turn 31 next season.