Chiefs Sign Jake Hayner Amid Mahomes’ Uncertainty
The Kansas City Chiefs took steps to bolster their roster on Monday by signing Jake Hayner, a former quarterback with the New Orleans Saints. This move is particularly interesting since Patrick Mahomes’ status for the 2026 season remains uncertain.
Hayner was drafted in the fourth round by the Saints last year and played in eight games during his three seasons there, with all appearances coming in 2024. He completed 18 passes for 226 yards, but most of his playing time was in less critical moments of the games.
This signing gives the Chiefs a safety net after a tough season where they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. That season came to a disappointing end when Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL during a defeat against the Chargers in December.
Before his injury, Mahomes had established himself as a key player in the Chiefs’ success, leading the team, alongside head coach Andy Reid and tight end Travis Kelce, to five Super Bowl appearances and three championships in just six years. His accolades include six Pro Bowl selections and two MVP awards throughout his nine-year NFL career.
Interestingly, Gardner Minshew, currently a backup in Kansas City, was also grappling with fears of an ACL tear. Fortunately, he’s scheduled to become a free agent and won’t need surgery. Meanwhile, injuries to both quarterbacks have left Chris Oradokun, a seventh-round pick from 2022, and Hayner as the only active quarterbacks on the roster.
Mahomes spoke with the media recently, marking the first time since his injury. At a press conference, he shared that doctors performed surgery about a month ago and expressed confidence that he would be ready for Week 1. He also noted his plans to join Organized Team Activities (OTAs) starting in April, although he had refrained from practice at that point to focus on understanding the team’s schematics better.
If Mahomes isn’t able to make it back for the season opener, Kansas City will likely find a temporary solution. This could mean re-signing Minshew or possibly bringing in a veteran like Malik Willis or Marcus Mariota.
Signing Hayner, though, could change those dynamics, as he may vie for the starting role during Mahomes’ recovery.
