The Chiefs appear to be making moves to protect their offense while superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes begins the long road to recovery. While he’s expected to return by Week 1 of ‘26, Andy Reid might go easy with handing the reins to him. If a certain Instagram story is any indication, Kansas City may have already taken its first step.

“New beginnings,” the caption read on Jake Haener‘s Instagram story, along with a picture of the outside of the Chiefs’ practice facility in Kansas City. 

Furthermore, the former Saints quarterback’s Instagram bio reads “Chiefs QB” now. He even posted a carousel post, saying, “I’m grateful for the lessons and memories in the city of New Orleans. I want to thank the Saints Organization and everyone involved… It’s time for a fresh start in Kansas City!! Excited for what’s next! #chiefskingdom” The front office has made nothing official, but if NFL insider Mark Garafolo is to be believed, there is truth to the social media hints. 

Garafolo backed up the news, reporting that Kansas City is signing Haener to its 90-man offseason roster, giving him a chance to compete through OTAs and training camp rather than guaranteeing a regular-season role.

Haener, 26, entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Fresno State in the 2023 NFL Draft, selected by the New Orleans Saints. After failing to make New Orleans’ 53-man roster in 2025, he spent the season on the Saints’ practice squad before choosing Kansas City as his next stop once his contract expired.

Though his name doesn’t ring a familiar bell to many ears, he brings a solid college resume to the Chiefs Kingdom. At Fresno State, he was a standout three-year starter, earning First-Team All-MWC honors as a senior and Second-Team honors as a junior. His professional journey began in New Orleans after being drafted in the fourth round of 2023. 

In 2024, Haener appeared in eight games for the Saints, including one start. That start came in a Week 15 loss to Washington, where he went 4-of-10 for 49 yards in the first half before New Orleans turned to Spencer Rattler for the remainder of the game. Across all appearances that season, Haener completed 18 passes for 226 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, with most of his snaps coming in late-game situations.

Kansas City’s interest in adding Haener reflects a broader need to stabilize and reshape the quarterback room during Mahomes’ recovery from ACL and LCL surgery. Prior to the signing, only Mahomes and Chris Oladokun were under contract for the 2026 season. Veteran backup Gardner Minshew is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

It seems a long shot that the front office would put money on an injured backup, especially when they have cap restraints. But, if Reid were to ask, Minshew would be retained for another season. 

“We had a ton, and still have a ton of confidence that he can do that,” Reid said of Minshew in January. “That type of player is what you want in that position [backup QB]. Somebody that’s won games in the league and at the same time understands his role and handles himself right in the room.”

The Chiefs are also looking closely at Oladokun, who stepped up late last season to cover for Minshew. All he got was three games, yet he showed a lot of poise. He managed to avoid turnovers and even threw his first career touchdown against one of the league’s top defenses, the Denver Broncos. 

While he proved he can handle the pressure, the Chiefs likely still want more competition for the backup spots. They might bring in a veteran quarterback as an “insurance policy” for Mahomes. One name that continues to pop up is Russell Wilson. 

After a rocky end to his time with the Giants in 2025, Wilson could be looking for a role as a mentor and bridge starter. Joining the Chiefs would allow him that, until Mahomes is ready, of course. 

Patrick Mahomes eying a healthy Week 1 return

All these signings and evaluations are for the backup positions. Until Mahomes stands at the helm (healthy), the Chiefs won’t look elsewhere. After how the 2025 season went, the elite quarterback couldn’t wait for a fresh start. He’s working tirelessly to be ready for the season opener in 2026. During a January Zoom call, he shared that his rehab is “hitting all the checkpoints.”

“I want to be ready for Week 1. The doctors said I could,” he said. “That’s the goal, to play Week 1 and have no restrictions. You want to be out there healthy and give us the best chance to win. I hope to do some things in OTAs and training camp and be able to do things there.”

Mahomes added that while he may not be fully cleared to practice during OTAs, he plans to be present to absorb any schematic changes and stay engaged during the install phase.

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While he focuses on his knee, Mahomes is also looking forward to working with the team’s next offensive coordinator. Matt Nagy’s position as Offensive Coordinator has been filled by the returning Eric Bieniemy. With his return and a new plan for the quarterback room, the Chiefs are determined to bring back their winning culture in 2026.