Patrick Mahomes remains the Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback. Barring anything unforeseen, there’s no need to worry about that changing anytime soon. However, the team is always looking for ways to shore up its depth chart, especially with Chad Henne announcing his retirement following last season’s Super Bowl win.
While they have Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun, they’re also keeping their eyes open for other veterans to add to the mix and compete for a roster spot for the 2023 NFL season. And no offense to either Buechele or Oladokun, but they have a combined four years in the NFL, and neither has taken a regular-season snap.
That’s why it is no surprise that the Chiefs have made a move for a veteran signal-caller. On Tuesday, The Pat McAfee Show reported that Blaine Gabbert, a well-traveled veteran quarterback, would be signing a contract with the Chiefs to serve as Patrick Mahomes’ backup in Kansas City.
BREAKING: Blaine Gabbert is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1Heuj2A6E8
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2023
The 33-year-old Mizzou product has played for the Jaguars, 49ers, Cardinals, Titans, and most recently, the Buccaneers since he entered the league in 2011. In 67 career games, Gabbert has made 48 career starts, completing 56.4 percent of his passes for 9,302 yards with 51 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
Gabbert has a career 13-35 record as a starter but has been a successful backup during his numerous stops over the years. He won Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, where he served as Tom Brady’s direct backup.
While he’ll now be backing up the regaining NFL MVP, Gabbert must stay ready, as Henne made multiple appearances in relief of an injured Mahomes on the big stage.