On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Kansas City Chiefs had agreed to terms with quarterback Gardner Minshew — meaning a new backup behind superstar Patrick Mahomes.
Sources: Free-agent QB Gardner Minshew reached agreement today on a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. A new backup for Patrick Mahomes. pic.twitter.com/2CNbhoEM2g
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2025
The 28-year-old Minshew originally entered the league as a sixth-round draft selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. Ironically, the Washington State product’s first NFL action came against the Chiefs in that year’s season opener as the rookie entered the game in relief of injured starter Nick Foles.
After two seasons in Jacksonville, Minshew was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. From there, he had auditions as a starter with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Minshew has started 46 games over his career. In nine starts with the Raiders last season, he thew for 2013 yards with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions. His season ended with a broken collarbone sustained in Week 12.
At the start of the league year Wednesday, the Raiders released Minshew with a failed physical designation.
While terms of Minshew’s contract have not been released, the Chiefs might be getting the quarterback at minimal cost. Minshew was owed $3.2 million in guaranteed salary from the Raiders in 2025. Assuming standard contract offset language, Kansas City could pay him only the $1.2 million veteran minimum salary — with that amount then deducted from the compensation he will eventually receive from the Raiders.
