Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) warms up before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) warms up before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Kansas City Chiefs spent the offseason stacking their quarterback room behind Patrick Mahomes, trading for Justin Fields, drafting Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round and keeping veteran Chris Oladokun on the depth chart after he started two games last year during Mahomes’ injury.
With four quarterbacks competing for backup spots heading into cutdown weekend, it was clear someone was not making the final 53-man roster.
That someone turned out to be Oladokun, who the Chiefs waived as the team settled on Fields and Nussmeier behind Mahomes for the 2026 season.
Chris Oladokun faces uncertainty after Chiefs surprise roster cut
Oladokun spent time on Kansas City’s practice squad and active roster beginning in 2022. Injuries forced him into the starting lineup for the final two games last year, giving him an important chance to play.
He completed 10 of 17 passes for 78 yards in the preseason before entering the concussion protocol. The injury made it harder for him to keep his place while Kansas City evaluated its quarterback options.
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Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) throws the ball during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Oladokun has now been waived. NFL reporter Ari Meirov reported the news Friday, “The Chiefs have waived QB Chris Oladokun, who started their final two regular-season games last season.”
The move leaves Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, and Garrett Nussmeier as Kansas City’s main quarterback options.
Kansas City Chiefs’ current QB room has two clear backups for Patrick Mahomes
Oladokun’s departure also cleared No. 19 for rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The seventh-round pick locked down the third spot after completing 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards against the Rams and starting against Seattle.
Nussmeier now has a clear path behind Mahomes and Fields. Meanwhile, Oladokun reverted to injured reserve with an injury designation, ending his 2026 campaign in Kansas City unless reached through a separate injury settlement.
Kansas City traded for Justin Fields during the offseason to give Mahomes an experienced backup. Fields brings regular-season starting experience and adds a different running threat to the quarterback room. The decision clears the path for Fields and Nussmeier to cement their positions behind Mahomes.
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