The Kansas City Chiefs are considering Jalen Milroe as a potential replacement for Gardner Minshew, who recently left for the Arizona Cardinals. With Patrick Mahomes sidelined for now, the Chiefs need a reliable backup quarterback to support their offense moving forward, and Milroe presents a promising option given his current role and contract situation.
Current Situation for Backup Quarterbacks in Kansas City
The Chiefs have been a dominant force over the past decade, attracting many to their organization. However, the role of backup quarterback remains a challenging position to fill with talent eager for starting opportunities. Veteran players like Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, and Geno Smith typically avoid backup roles late in their careers, seeking starting chances elsewhere, which makes recruiting them to Kansas City difficult. Gardner Minshew’s departure, motivated by the chance to start and a lucrative contract with Arizona, leaves a vacancy that’s hard to fill with established veterans.
Unlike older quarterbacks chasing starting roles, young players such as Jalen Milroe, currently behind Mahomes on the depth chart, may be more willing to accept a developmental backup position in Kansas City. This opportunity allows them to learn under one of the league’s best while preparing for future playing time.
Milroe’s Status with the Seattle Seahawks and Trade Potential
Jalen Milroe, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, is currently the third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. Despite this depth chart position, Milroe gained starting experience at Alabama, outperforming Ty Simpson, the nominal second quarterback in his draft class. This background enhances his appeal to teams seeking a promising backup quarterback with upside.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak has identified Milroe as a trade candidate attractive to teams needing quarterback depth, including the Chiefs. Solak noted that the Seahawks pegged Milroe with their third-round pick to hedge their bets on their other quarterbacks, placing Milroe on a developmental trajectory similar to what Malik Willis experienced in Tennessee. Teams might find Milroe a better value than drafting a lower-rated rookie in the upcoming draft, especially if he can be acquired at a discount.
The Seahawks hedged their Darnold bet with a Round 3 selection on Milroe, who now starts down the path that [Malik] Willis was on with Tennessee,
Ben Solak, ESPN analyst
Milroe is only QB3 in Seattle behind [Sam] Darnold and Drew Lock, but Milroe started above Ty Simpson — the nominal QB2 in this draft class — at Alabama in 2024.
Ben Solak, ESPN analyst
Teams likely will compare their pre-draft grades on Milroe to the grades on this year’s class, and if they can get Milroe at a discount, they could try to trade for him instead of drafting an inferior prospect,
Ben Solak, ESPN analyst
Why Milroe Could Be a Cost-Effective Fit for the Chiefs
At 23 years old and heading into his second professional season, Jalen Milroe offers potential without commanding a veteran backup’s salary. The Chiefs could acquire him with a Day 3 draft pick from Seattle and benefit from the remaining three years on his $6.3 million rookie contract. This financial flexibility makes him an attractive option compared to signing an experienced backup who might demand more money and have less growth potential.
Milroe’s chance to develop behind Patrick Mahomes and under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid could significantly accelerate his progress. Additionally, if Mahomes remains sidelined early in the season, Milroe might have the opportunity to contribute on the field, providing valuable playing time experience and helping maintain the Chiefs’ competitiveness.
His trajectory could mimic that of Malik Willis, who aided the Green Bay Packers during Jordan Love’s absences. As Mahomes advances through his 30s and recovers from his most severe injury to date, having a capable and inexpensive backup like Milroe could prove critical for the Chiefs’ sustained success.
Moreover, even if Milroe does not become the long-term answer in Kansas City, the Chiefs could trade him later to gain additional draft capital, reinforcing the sound financial and strategic nature of such a move.
