When you have the scar from the SB loss, it makes you do desperate things. But thankfully, so far, the Chiefs are doing the most sensible things they could pull out of their hat. They brought back Kareem Hunt on a one-year deal and added Bailey Zappe for extra quarterback depth. Nothing major, just solid moves that make the roster stronger. Not every signing has to make headlines—sometimes it’s just about plugging gaps.

So, after that Zappe addition, if there was still any doubt left about the QB situation heading into the draft, Brett Veach erased it. “Without giving any of my secrets away, I think the only thing I can say definitively is, we won’t be drafting a QB,” he said.

Well, they never needed a 31st pick QB, anyway.

• QB1: Patrick Mahomes
• QB2: Gardner Minshew
• QB3 Bailey Zappe.

That room’s locked up. Mahomes is still playing at the highest level. Last season? 15-2 record. He’s the guy, and that’s not changing. Minshew brings experience and can keep things afloat if needed. Zappe might not have a ton of tape, but he fits as a reliable third option.

Sure, it didn’t feel like a Patrick Mahomes kinda season. Because he simply didn’t put up MVP numbers. But the real talk is that he was still better than most. Sure, it was his first season without a Pro Bowl nod and his lowest passing yard total (3,928) since becoming the guy in Kansas City. But that’s just Mahomes being held to his own ridiculous standard. No reason to throw a rookie into that mix.

So yeah, Veach saying they’re passing on QBs this year tracks. The focus now has to shift to other spots—defensive tackle, edge rusher, maybe even another weapon on offense. Wharton and Nnadi leaving in free agency, left holes up front. That’s where the help is needed.

Or maybe, if Veach wants to get a little cute on draft day? There’s room for that. Mahomes’ half-brother, Graham Walker, is a name to watch. Former Ivy League receiver turned tight end, training with Mahomes’ agency, showing flashes of that receiver-to-tight-end magic Andy Reid has worked with before. In his lone season at Rice, he caught 24 passes for 252 yards [with a 4.82 40-yard dash, hmm, not bad].

It’s not about family ties, but if the talent’s there, the Chiefs won’t hesitate to take a look. Just don’t confuse that with a quarterback shake-up. Mahomes’ offense isn’t changing. Not now. Not for a long time.

When it comes to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs know business

Patrick Mahomes hit the turf 36 times last season. That’s by far the most sacks Mahomes has taken in a single year. First time he’s crossed the 30-mark, too. And if you’re wondering why the Chiefs have been eyeing their O-line like a hawk this offseason. Yeah, that’s your answer right there.

So what now? For starters, Trey Smith. You know the guy. Right guard. Bulldozer in cleats. The Chiefs hit him with the franchise tag earlier this year, locking him in for 2025 at $23.4 million. But that’s just a patch. A long-term fix is coming. Brett Veach made it clear Thursday: “Hopefully we get that done… there is no lack of interest, will, or desire on our end.” This isn’t a, maybe. This is a when.

Veach didn’t sugarcoat it. He said talks picked up at the Combine, stayed active through the owner’s meetings, and will ramp back up after the draft dust settles. “We’ve exchanged multiple phone calls, multiple emails,” Veach said, painting the picture of a front office doing its homework—not ghosting its stars. Once the draft wraps, expect those conversations to hit full speed.

This matters so much because protecting Mahomes is a necessity. And Trey Smith knows the job. He’s a tone-setter. When Mahomes drops back, you want No. 65 between him and whoever’s blitzing like their rent depends on it. Smith’s extension isn’t about warm feelings or reward—it’s about survival and domination.

Bottom line—Mahomes gets you the wins, but he can’t do that from his back. The Trey Smith deal isn’t just smart cap work. It’s the first move in building the wall that’ll keep #15 standing tall in 2025 and beyond.