The Chiefs have used 7 backup quarterbacks in the Andy Reid era. Can you name them?
As the Kansas City Chiefs begin their path toward a potential third straight Super Bowl win, head coach Andy Reid has security at the most important position.
The Chiefs are set with Patrick Mahomes at the helm of the offense. That said, KC has added protection with veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who started in Week 18.
Wentz has made a Pro Bowl and is a Super Bowl champion. He guided the Philadelphia Eagles for five seasons before stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams.
There is a synergy in the Chiefs’ locker room. Wentz has made 94 career starts and played under Reid protégé Doug Pederson. He is familiar with Reid’s offensive system and owns a 47-46-1 career record.
Wentz is the latest backup quarterback to play for the Chiefs. Here is a look at each KC backup in the Andy Reid era.
2013: Chase Daniel
The Chiefs relied on longtime NFL veteran Chase Daniel to back up starter Alex Smith in Reid’s first season. Daniel appeared in five games (one start) as KC finished 11-5 and made the NFL playoffs.
2014: Chase Daniel
KC has consistently made the playoffs under Reid. In 2014, the Chiefs narrowly missed the postseason but still relied on Daniel as the backup quarterback.
2015: Chase Daniel
The Chiefs continued to rely on Daniel in 2015. The team went 11-5 and made the playoffs before an AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots.
2016: Nick Foles
There was a slight change in the Chiefs’ quarterback room. Daniel followed Pederson to the Eagles, and that left a roster opening. The Chiefs turned to veteran quarterback Nick Foles to fill the void. Foles made three appearances and one start.
2017: Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs invested in the quarterback position in 2017. KC drafted Mahomes with the 10th pick in the NFL Draft out of Texas Tech. Mahomes learned behind Smith before starting the final game of the 2017 campaign.
2018: Chad Henne
KC ushered in the Patrick Mahomes era and Henne arrived to help the Chiefs support Mahomes in his first full season at the helm.
2019: Matt Moore
An injury prompted the Chiefs to turn to Matt Moore in 2019. Henne suffered a fractured ankle in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve. This opened the door for Moore to serve as the backup for Mahomes and make two starts. And, Moore earned a Super Bowl ring in the process.
2020: Chad Henne
Henne was back in action at the beginning of the 2020 campaign. He made three appearances and one start as the Chiefs finished 14-2.
2021: Chad Henne
Henne served as the backup for his third full season. The Chiefs ultimately lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game.
2022: Chad Henne
Henne had another tour as the backup quarterback under Andy Reid. This time, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, their second of the Mahomes-Reid partnership.
2023: Blaine Gabbert
The Chiefs turned to a veteran quarterback with local ties. Gabbert finished his career in KC and helped support Mahomes during KC’s third Super Bowl win under Reid.
2024: Carson Wentz
Wentz made his Chiefs debut this season and will serve as the backup quarterback as the Chiefs enter the NFL playoffs.
This story was originally published January 8, 2025 at 6:30 AM.
