Kansas City Chiefs’ QB Situation: Will Philip Rivers Return for One More Season as a Placeholder for Patrick Mahomes?

The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves entering an uncertain period in their offense, mainly due to the devastating knee injury suffered by their superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes, who tore both his ACL and LCL in the team’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, is aiming for a return by Week 1 of the 2026 season. However, it remains unclear whether he will be fully recovered in time to start the season.

Even if Mahomes manages to return on schedule, it would be unwise for the Chiefs not to bolster their quarterback depth this offseason, especially with Gardner Minshew set to become a free agent. The Chiefs’ plans could be further complicated if Mahomes faces any setbacks in his recovery, making it essential for the team to have a reliable backup option in place.

Bold Prediction: Could Philip Rivers Be the Chiefs’ Temporary QB Solution?

FOX Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano has made a bold prediction for the Chiefs’ quarterback situation, suggesting that Kansas City could look to bring in future Hall of Famer Philip Rivers as a placeholder until Mahomes is back to full health. Vacchiano proposes that Rivers, who briefly came out of retirement in December 2025 to play for the Indianapolis Colts, may be offered a chance to return to the field for one last ride with the Chiefs.

According to Vacchiano, Rivers could send out feelers to teams to express his interest in playing one more season, and the Chiefs could offer him the opportunity to step in as a temporary starter. “Rivers will send out feelers to let teams know he wants to keep playing at least one more season. And that’s when he’ll get a surprising offer: Come to Kansas City and be a placeholder until Patrick Mahomes returns from his torn ACL. The chance to potentially play for Andy Reid and maybe even ride along on a Super Bowl quest will be too much to pass up,” Vacchiano wrote.

Rivers’ Brief Comeback in 2025: A Look Back

Philip Rivers made a stunning return to the NFL in December 2025, signing with the Indianapolis Colts after announcing his retirement following the 2024 season. However, his return was far from smooth. Rivers started three games for the Colts, posting a 0-3 record, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions, and completing 63% of his passes. Despite these struggles, Rivers’ performance showed that he could still contribute in a short-term role, even if he is no longer a viable long-term starter.

Although Rivers has stated he intends to retire again after the 2025 season, the possibility of another comeback, especially for a Super Bowl-contending team like the Chiefs, could prove tempting. With his connection to Andy Reid, who coached against Rivers for years in the AFC West, Kansas City could be the perfect landing spot for the veteran quarterback to make one final push for a championship.

The Fit with Andy Reid and the Chiefs

Rivers would offer a steadying presence for the Chiefs in Mahomes’ absence. Known for his quick release, football IQ, and leadership, Rivers could adapt well to Reid’s offense. Reid, who has a deep understanding of Rivers’ style of play, would know how to put the 44-year-old quarterback in the best position to succeed. While Rivers is no longer capable of leading a team for a full season as a starter, his experience and ability to manage games could be invaluable during a brief stretch of games while Mahomes recovers.

Rivers’ fit with the Chiefs would be particularly strong, given the weapons around him, including star players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce. With an offense that is built to excel, Rivers would only need to avoid mistakes and manage the game efficiently, especially if Mahomes is expected to return for the second half of the season.

The Likelihood of Rivers Returning

The chance of Rivers actually returning for one more season is slim, especially considering his age and the fact that he publicly declared his intention to retire after 2025. Rivers is no longer a viable long-term option for any team, but stranger things have happened in sports. Given the uncertainty around Mahomes’ recovery and the Chiefs’ desire to contend for a Super Bowl, they could consider Rivers as a short-term solution if no other viable options are available.

A Final Word: Never Say Never

While it may seem unlikely, the possibility of Rivers stepping in for Mahomes as a temporary placeholder for the Chiefs is not entirely out of the question. Rivers has always been known for his competitive drive, and the lure of a Super Bowl run under Andy Reid in Kansas City could be enough to convince him to delay his retirement once again.

For the Chiefs, adding a veteran like Rivers would give them some security at quarterback while they wait for Mahomes to return. However, the likelihood of this happening remains uncertain, and the Chiefs may ultimately explore other options. Regardless, the prospect of Rivers taking the field once again, especially with a chance at another championship, adds an intriguing twist to the Chiefs’ offseason plans.