Chiefs sign former first-round pick to back up Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs needed some Patrick Mahomes insurance, and they got it by signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

At this point in his career, Blaine Gabbert is solidly embedded as a backup quarterback. Any hopes of Gabbert emerging as the star he was drafted to be are pretty much dead, barring the unforeseen.

When Chad Henne retired after leading the Chiefs on one final 99-yard drive in a playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City knew they had to replace him in some way, shape or form. As great as Patrick Mahomes is, his style of play can sometimes come with consequences.

Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the postseason. Even in his absence, the Chiefs were confident in their offense with Henne running it. Can they now say the same about Gabbert?

Chiefs sign Blaine Gabbert to back up Patrick Mahomes

Gabbert has a decent track record, as he backed up Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Learning from the GOAT must come with some benefit.

Still, Gabbert hasn’t started a game since 2018. While he was a stable force in the Bucs quarterback room, there’s no guarantee he’ll receive the backup role. KC thinks highly of Shane Buechele, who even pushed Henne last training camp to be the backup QB. He ultimately fell short, but the Chiefs kept Buechele on the practice squad for a reason.

Buechele should get a chance to compete with Gabbert just as he did Henne. By signing Gabbert, Kansas City is smartly evaluating their options for one of the most important positions on their team.

Gabbert was drafted by the Jaguars in the first round prior to the 2011 season. He started two seasons, but after getting off to a dreadful start in 2013, was relegated to the bench. Outside of a few spot starts, he’s been there ever since.