Chiefs Linked to Kirk Cousins as Patrick Mahomes Insurance

The Chiefs could look to the veteran quarterback market to secure insurance for Patrick Mahomes following his major injury.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as insurance for Patrick Mahomes, who is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season. Mahomes is targeting a Week 1 return for the 2026 season, but ACL tears typically require 8-12 months for a full recovery, which could put his availability in question. The Chiefs could opt to take a cautious approach with Mahomes' return and acquire Cousins, who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' success is heavily dependent on Mahomes, the team's franchise quarterback and former MVP. Securing a reliable veteran backup like Cousins could provide the team with insurance and stability while Mahomes recovers from his injury, ensuring the Chiefs remain competitive in the AFC West.

The details

Mahomes suffered the knee injury in the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. He is reportedly targeting a Week 1 return for the 2026 season, but ACL tears typically require 8-12 months for a full recovery, which could put his availability in question. In Mahomes' absence, veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew stepped in but was also sidelined with a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture. The Chiefs could look to sign Cousins, who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons, to provide insurance and stability while Mahomes recovers.

  • Mahomes suffered the knee injury in the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
  • Mahomes is reportedly targeting a Week 1 return for the 2026 season.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' franchise quarterback and former MVP, who is recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season.

Kirk Cousins

A veteran quarterback who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and is being considered by the Chiefs as insurance for Mahomes.

Gardner Minshew

The veteran quarterback who stepped in for Mahomes in 2025 but was also sidelined with a non-displaced tibial plateau fracture.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide whether to sign Cousins as insurance for Mahomes' recovery, which could take up to 12 months.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' success is heavily dependent on Mahomes, and securing a reliable veteran backup like Cousins could provide the team with insurance and stability while Mahomes recovers from his injury, ensuring the Chiefs remain competitive in the AFC West.