Patrick Mahomes
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The Chiefs could find a solid fill-in for Patrick Mahomes in 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is immensely talented, but what makes him one of the greatest players in NFL history is his work ethic and determination.
Mahomes is currently rehabbing from a torn ACL that he sustained in Week 15 of last season. Despite sustaining the injury so late in the year, there is a lot of optimism that he will be under center for the Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Where there isn’t much optimism is Kansas City’s ability to return to Super Bowl contender form next season. The Chiefs posted a disappointing 6-11 record in 2025, and are currently retooling their roster in several key areas. However, Mahomes is listening to the outside doubt, and it is fueling him as he prepares for his big return.
Patrick Mahomes Has ‘Michael Jordan Chip on His Shoulder’ as He Gears up for 2026 Season
While appearing on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, NFL insider Peter Schrager said Mahomes’ motivation has a trickle-down effect on his teammates.
“It sure seems like everyone else has moved on from the Chiefs,” Schrager said. “They hear it all, and it starts with No. 15 (Mahomes) under center. As he’s rehabbing and getting back, he is watching and listening to all. I think that is the undersold piece about Patrick Mahomes. He’s got that same Michael Jordan chip on his shoulder, where he hears and sees it all. It starts with Mahomes, and it goes to (Travis) Kelce, and around that entire team. When you lose Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and you get all these people saying the time has passed. Are they a Super Bowl threat, or are they going to miss the playoffs again? There’s a lot of pride there. You see Kelce with a gleam in his eye talking about (offensive coordinator) Eric Bieniemy coming back. There could be a different energy in that room now, a little bit more intensity, and Andy Reid still believes he’s the best coach in football.”
Pat McAfee
“Patrick Mahomes has that chip on his shoulder..
He’s hearing everything while he’s rehabbing”
@PSchrags #PMSLive
Ever since the documentary series “The Last Dance” featuring Jordan and the Chicago Bulls came out in 2020, Mahomes has drawn comparisons to the NBA Hall of Famer not only for their innate ability to win, but their competitive drive. Bieniemy famously went as far as to call Mahomes a “competitive prick” a few years ago.
Chiefs Looking to Surround Patrick Mahomes With More Weapons Moving Forward
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri
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As great as Mahomes is, he has been asked to do too much over the past few years, which played a big factor in 2025 resulting in a disaster for Kansas City. His pass catchers have been inconsistent, and his rushing attack below average. Every Chiefs running back was held under four yards per carry last season, and Mahomes had just 40 less rushing yards than starter Isiah Pacheco.
However, those fortunes will likely dramatically change as the Chiefs signed Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker to a three-year contract on Monday. Walker will provide big play ability out of the backfield, which should open things up more in the passing game. On the latter end of that, Kansas City also re-signed Kelce and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, bringing back some familiar and reliable weapons for Mahomes.