Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the new league year facing an unexpected question at quarterback depth.

While the franchise remains firmly built around superstar Patrick Mahomes, recent roster changes have forced Kansas City to quickly rethink its backup plan heading into the 2026 season.

That urgency grew stronger after veteran backup Gardner Minshew II agreed to leave Kansas City and sign a one-year, $8 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

With Minshew departing in free agency, the Chiefs suddenly found themselves needing a reliable veteran presence behind Mahomes.

According to reports, the Chiefs have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to serve as the primary backup behind franchise star Patrick Mahomes.

The move would bring one of the most experienced quarterbacks available on the market into Kansas City’s locker room.

Wilson enters the next stage of his career with more than 50,000 passing yards in the NFL, along with a résumé that includes Pro Bowl selections, playoff experience and years of starting success across the league.

Though his role in Kansas City would primarily be as a veteran backup, his experience provides significant insurance for a team that expects to compete for another championship.

The Chiefs also remain cautious about Mahomes’ recovery timeline after the knee injury that ended his 2025 season early.

While the team remains optimistic about his return, securing a proven veteran quarterback ensures Kansas City has stability under center if Mahomes needs additional time.

For the Chiefs, the strategy is simple. Protect their franchise quarterback, maintain depth at the most important position in football and surround Mahomes with experienced players capable of stepping in when needed.

If the agreement becomes official when the new league year begins, Kansas City will have one of the most decorated backup quarterbacks in the NFL ready on the sideline.