While Mahomes targets a Week 1 return from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered last December, the reality in the building is far more cautious. Reports indicate the Chiefs are eyeing Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Anthony Richardson as a “bridge” or high-upside backup. Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick, is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a manageable $5.4 million cap hit.
The logic is simple: Indy is hesitant to trigger Richardson’s $22.5 million fifth-year option for 2027 after an uneven 2025 campaign. In Kansas City, Richardson wouldn’t just be a backup; he’d be a project for Andy Reid. The Chiefs need a body that can win games in September if Mahomes’ knee isn’t ready. Richardson’s elite athleticism offers a schematic fit that Jake Haener simply doesn’t provide.
“I’ve been the favorite for a long time. Being the underdog? It’s a different kind of fuel. The knee is getting stronger every day, but this team needs to be ready to win with or without me in the huddle on Day 1.”
— Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback
If a trade for Richardson proves too costly in draft capital, the Chiefs could pivot to the veteran market. Russell Wilson remains unsigned after his stint with the Giants. Wilson was spotted in Austin, Texas, this weekend, fueling rumors that he is waiting for the right contender to call. Unlike a trade for Richardson, signing Wilson would only cost veteran-minimum money or a small incentive-based deal.
The “Chiefs Kingdom” is used to dominance, but the current atmosphere is one of reconstruction. The departures of cornerstones like Trent McDuffie (traded to the Rams) and Isiah Pacheco signal a roster in flux. Bringing in a name like Richardson or Wilson isn’t just about depth—it’s about survival in an AFC West that no longer fears the arrowhead.
