The silence in Kansas City is deafening this December. For the first time in over a decade, the Chiefs are heading into January with their lockers cleared and their eyes glued to draft boards rather than playoff brackets. Following a devastating season-ending ACL and LCL tear for Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 and a subsequent playoff elimination, Andy Reid’s team is now in the hunt for their next QB in the upcoming draft, waiting to see when Mahomes gets back on his feet again.

According to Chiefs beat reporter Jesse Newell of The Athletic, a new list was revealed via the NFL transactions log, showing that the Chiefs held tryouts for 13 players, including two quarterbacks: Jordan McCloud from Texas State and Austin Reed from Western Kentucky.

The full list of other players reportedly includes Andrew Armstrong (WR, Arkansas), Isaiah Bolden (DB, Jackson State), Mason Brooks (G, Ole Miss), Braeden Daniels (G, Utah), Luke Grimm (WR, Kansas), Corey Stewart (OT, Purdue), Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn), Clarence Hicks (LB, UTSA), Kobe Hudson (WR, UCF), Zack Kuntz (TE, Old Dominion), and ShunDerrick Powell (RB, Central Arkansas).

The Chiefs aren’t wasting any time looking for the right fit for their future QB position, and according to several analysts and market reports, the search might include several other names, should the team feel like they are the best fit.

On the speculative side, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa could also get linked to the team. His quick-pass accuracy makes him a fit for Andy Reid’s offense, though the move remains just a theory. Justin Fields is also a potential target. After a disappointing year with the Jets, Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal in March, has shown mobility and playmaking ability that could complement Reid’s scheme, despite questions about his fit.

Other names being linked include Mitchell Trubisky, Chris Oladokun, and Marcus Mariota. Backup Gardner Minshew’s tibial plateau fracture further complicates the situation. With the Chiefs ranked at No. 9 in mock drafts, the team is moving quickly, but it looks like coach Andy Reid’s role in those decisions is notably limited.

Andy Reid doesn’t want to take part in the selections… for a good reason

Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the media in a live press conference on Monday, Dec 29, to clarify the franchise’s immediate path forward. When the reporter asked Andy about the upcoming draft process, he was pretty straightforward about his part in it: he doesn’t want any.

Speaking with Newell, the coach clarified, “Yeah, Jesse. With Brett [Veach] and his crew doing it, that part’s exciting to see and what takes place. That’s something to look forward to. You’re right, it’s not where you want to be, but it is where we are, and we’ve got good people doing the picking, headed up by Brett.” It is yet to be seen how involved he will be in the coming months; for now, the veteran coach dodged the question with a diplomatic response.

The Chiefs were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (Week 15), a game that not only ended their postseason hopes but also saw Mahomes getting injured. With the quarterback potentially sidelined for the start of the 2026 season due to his multi-ligament tear, the Chiefs are projected to have the No. 9 overall pick in the draft (subject to alteration in coming weeks). This will be a sweet spot for the franchise to make a future-oriented decision.

For now, Reid stays focused on coaching while Veach is on the hunt for a good QB replacement. Things are expected to turn out in the Chiefs’ favor in the coming weeks.