As the Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 offseason, they find themselves in a rare position of vulnerability at the quarterback position. Patrick Mahomes, the face of the franchise and a multi-time Super Bowl champion, suffered a torn ACL and LCL during a Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in December 2025. The injury ended the Chiefs’ postseason hopes and raised questions about Mahomes’ availability for the upcoming season.
While Mahomes provided hope by sharing a video of himself throwing just three months after surgery, his status for the season opener on September 10 remains uncertain. To prepare for potential uncertainty under center, General Manager Brett Veach executed a strategic trade with the New York Jets, acquiring former first-round pick Justin Fields. Fields, who will serve as the primary backup, could be the starter if Mahomes needs more time to recover.
The Need for a Developmental Quarterback
Despite adding Fields, the Chiefs are expected to continue planning for the future, particularly considering both Mahomes and Fields are recovering from knee injuries. This makes it essential to bring in a young, developmental quarterback to further secure the team’s future at the position.
The Chiefs’ history of drafting for the future, along with their strong offensive system under head coach Andy Reid, means the team will likely look to the 2026 NFL Draft to address this need. Several quarterbacks in the upcoming draft could fit into Reid’s West Coast offense, offering the opportunity to develop a third-string quarterback without immediate starting expectations.
Here are three quarterbacks the Chiefs should consider:
1. Carson Beck (Miami Hurricanes)
Beck’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball with precision aligns well with the West Coast offense that Reid favors. His playing style is methodical, and he thrives in an offense that emphasizes short to intermediate passes, which would allow him to learn under Mahomes without the pressure to start right away. With the right development, Beck could emerge as a valuable asset for the Chiefs in the years to come.
2. Drew Allar (Penn State)
Drew Allar is a more polarizing prospect, but his raw talent cannot be ignored. At 6’5″, Allar has a physically imposing frame and a cannon for an arm. His collegiate career at Penn State was a mix of flashes of brilliance and some mechanical inconsistencies. However, Allar’s arm strength and ability to make all the necessary throws are undeniable.
For a team like the Chiefs, which has the luxury of letting a rookie quarterback sit and learn behind Mahomes, Allar could be a project worth taking on. With proper coaching, particularly in refining his mechanics and decision-making, Allar has the potential to become a top-tier NFL quarterback. His upside is significant, and Reid’s system could be the perfect place for him to develop over a few years, especially with the team’s stable of veteran quarterbacks.
3. Luke Altmyer (Illinois Fighting Illini)
Luke Altmyer, a product of the Big Ten and Illinois, is another quarterback who could be a good fit for the Chiefs in the mid-to-late rounds. Altmyer showed significant mechanical improvement during his final season at Illinois, and his ability to throw with rhythm and timing impressed scouts. His ability to extend plays with his legs also adds an extra dimension to his game.
Altmyer’s main areas for improvement lie in his pocket presence and ball security, but with Reid’s guidance, he could develop into a solid NFL quarterback. While he may not be ready to start right away, Altmyer has the potential to grow into a reliable backup or future starter after spending time learning behind Mahomes and Fields.
Conclusion: Securing the Future
As the Chiefs look to secure the future of their quarterback position, adding a developmental arm in the 2026 NFL Draft would be a wise move. While the acquisition of Justin Fields provides immediate insurance for Mahomes, drafting a young quarterback with upside ensures the Chiefs are prepared for the long-term future.
Carson Beck, Drew Allar, and Luke Altmyer are all intriguing options that could fit into Reid’s offense and develop over time. Whether it’s Beck’s accuracy, Allar’s raw arm strength, or Altmyer’s ability to extend plays, each has the potential to contribute to the Chiefs’ future.
In a league where stability at the quarterback position is crucial, the Chiefs’ decision to invest in a developmental quarterback could be key to maintaining their dominance for years to come.
