After the Chiefs star QB suffered a late-season ACL injury, one NFL analyst believes Kirk Cousins could be the perfect insurance policy for Kansas City Chiefs.

A veteran quarterback.
A playoff contender.
And possibly the best backup the Chiefs could sign in 2026.

Chiefs Face Key Question If Mahomes Isn’t Ready

The Kansas City Chiefs may have an unexpected challenge heading into the 2026 season: finding a reliable backup quarterback.

Star QB Patrick Mahomes reportedly tore his ACL during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 season.

Because the injury occurred late in the year, his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign remains uncertain.

Even if Mahomes is medically cleared by Week 1, quarterbacks returning from ACL injuries often need time to regain:

• conditioning

• timing with receivers

• full mobility in the pocket

That means the Chiefs could realistically begin the season with someone else under center.

Analyst Suggests Kirk Cousins as the Ideal Option

Sports analyst Kay Adams recently floated an intriguing idea on her show Up & Adams.

She suggested veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins could be the perfect solution for Kansas City.

Adams explained that Cousins is expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons, which could make him an affordable short-term option.

“What if Kirk Cousins goes to the Chiefs?” Adams said.
“Kansas City will want a big-time veteran. Someone experienced. Mahomes is recovering from a big injury, and Cousins could be the perfect insurance policy.”

Her reasoning is simple:

• Cousins could start early if Mahomes isn’t ready

• He would provide stability at quarterback

• And he would give the Chiefs a chance to stay competitive

If Mahomes returns quickly, Cousins could shift into a premium backup role.

Chiefs Have Rotated Backup QBs for Years

Kansas City has experimented with several backup quarterbacks in recent seasons, including:

• Blaine Gabbert

• Carson Wentz

• Gardner Minshew

However, none offered the long-term security of a veteran starter like Cousins.

With Mahomes coming off a serious injury, the Chiefs may prioritize reliability more than ever.

A Deep Free-Agent Quarterback Market

Even if Cousins doesn’t land in Kansas City, the 2026 free-agent quarterback class is expected to include several experienced options.

Potential veteran backups include:

• Russell Wilson

• Joe Flacco

• Jimmy Garoppolo

• Marcus Mariota

• Zach Wilson

• Mitchell Trubisky

• Tyrod Taylor

• Kenny Pickett

• Teddy Bridgewater

Several of these quarterbacks have starting experience and could help Kansas City remain competitive if Mahomes needs additional recovery time.

Why Cousins Might Be Interested

For Kirk Cousins, joining the Chiefs could offer a unique opportunity.

The 14-year veteran owns a career record of 88-77-2 as a starter and has earned four Pro Bowl selections.

Signing with Kansas City would allow him to:

• compete for playing time early

• join a Super Bowl contender

• potentially end his career with a championship run

Few backup roles in the NFL would offer that combination.

The Chiefs’ Biggest Offseason Decision

Ultimately, everything depends on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline.

If he returns quickly, Kansas City may only need a short-term backup.

But if his recovery stretches deeper into the season, the Chiefs could face one of their most important roster decisions in years.

Because in the NFL, even the best teams can’t afford uncertainty at quarterback—especially when their superstar is coming back from a major injury. 🏈