Could Russell Wilson Be a Fit in Kansas City? Chiefs Face Quarterback Questions as Mahomes Recovers
Patrick Mahomes is eyeing a Week 1 return after suffering a torn ACL last month, but as any NFL fan knows, recovery timelines can be tricky-especially when it comes to knee injuries. Mahomes is as tough and determined as they come, but the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t in the business of leaving things to chance. With both of their backup quarterbacks-Gardner Minshew and Chris Oladokun-set to hit free agency, Kansas City has a decision to make.
And that’s where Russell Wilson enters the conversation.
Yes, that Russell Wilson. The former Super Bowl champ and longtime face of the Seahawks, who spent last season in New York with the Giants. While his days as a franchise QB are clearly behind him, Wilson might still have something to offer-especially in a situation like Kansas City’s, where the Chiefs need a reliable veteran insurance policy behind Mahomes.
According to recent reports, the Chiefs have been floated as a potential landing spot for Wilson. The logic is sound: Mahomes is working his way back, and the Chiefs currently have no quarterbacks under contract behind him. Wilson, meanwhile, is unlikely to find a full-time starting gig this offseason, but he could be a valuable short-term option in the right situation.
Last season, Wilson threw for 831 yards and three touchdowns for the Giants. He opened the year as the starter but was quickly overtaken by rookie Jaxson Dart.
It was a tough pill to swallow for a player who once defined consistency and leadership under center. But at this stage in his career, Wilson is no longer the dynamic dual-threat he once was-he’s a veteran presence who can step in if needed, hold down the fort, and provide a steady hand in the quarterback room.
And that’s exactly the kind of role he could fill in Kansas City.
If Mahomes isn’t quite ready for the start of the season, Wilson could be the bridge-capable of managing the offense, protecting the football, and allowing the Chiefs’ playmakers to do their thing. And once Mahomes is back, Wilson would slide into a backup role on a team with legitimate championship aspirations. That’s a far more appealing scenario than languishing on the bench for a rebuilding franchise.
For the Chiefs, it’s about hedging their bets. They don’t need a long-term answer-they need someone who can step in, keep things afloat if necessary, and support Mahomes once he returns.
Wilson fits that mold. He’s experienced, has been through the highs and lows of the league, and would bring a veteran presence to the locker room.
It’s not the kind of move that makes headlines, but it could be the kind that makes a difference. And in a league where depth at quarterback can make or break a season, the Chiefs would be wise to explore every option-including one that wears No. 3 and has a Super Bowl ring to his name.