The 2025 campaign was an uncommon down year for the Kansas City Chiefs, and 2026 could be difficult as well with Patrick Mahomes rehabbing a torn ACL. If Mahomes isn’t ready to open the 2026 season, Kansas City could look to a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap.
FOX Sports NFL writer Greg Orman forecasted that two Chiefs players would land in the top 100 of his free-agent list, including an experienced quarterback whose addition would cost the team three roster spots. Per Over the Cap, Kansas City begins the offseason roughly $54 million over the salary cap, so a subdued free-agency period wouldn’t be surprising.
Orman’s projections include:
– (71st overall, third-ranked QB in free agency) Russell Wilson, 37, who has dropped off markedly over the past few seasons — from a $40 million starter to very limited play on a struggling team. He finished a recent stint with an 0-3 record as a starter and could command a much smaller salary than the $10 million he earned last year. The likeliest landing spot would be as a short-term starter for a club with younger quarterbacks, allowing that team to avoid rushing its developmental prospects. Teams will be hoping for a steady, if not spectacular, stint—think modest touchdown-to-interception production—to serve as a stopgap.
– Re-signed LB Leo Chenal (listed in Orman’s rankings among linebackers): At 25, Chenal isn’t a true every-down defender yet, but he’s stout against the run and continues to grow as a pass rusher. Over four seasons under coach Steve Spagnuolo he has totaled seven sacks and averaged about 55 tackles per year. The question for Chenal’s future is whether a different scheme or coaching staff can sharpen his coverage skills so he can stay on the field in nickel and obvious passing situations; his experience will also be valuable in shaping a winning locker-room culture.
Fan Take: This matters because Kansas City’s cap crunch and Mahomes’ recovery could reshape the AFC landscape — a veteran bridge QB would keep the Chiefs competitive but also signal a transition year. Re-signing a player like Chenal shows the team still values young, versatile defenders, which could be crucial if the Chiefs need to both contain opponents and manage roster costs while Mahomes rehabs.
