Gardner Minshew didn't sign with the Kansas City Chiefs to take Patrick Mahomes' job as the team's starting quarterback.
Instead, Minshew is set to be Kansas City's second-string signal-caller behind Mahomes, a highly coveted role in an offense led by legendary head coach Andy Reid.
During his introductory press conference with the Chiefs, Minshew explained his thought process relative to joining Kansas City as a backup.
"Being a starting quarterback in the NFL is a hard deal. Especially with all the expectations with everything that gets put on, especially, a guy like that. Sometimes it’s having a safe place in the quarterback room where you can come and let off some steam or just have a good laugh. That little stuff is very important getting through weeks (and) getting through years, but I don’t know, man.
"I look forward to just working with him (Patrick Mahomes), helping in any way I can, whether it’s on the practice field (or) in the meeting room. (When) getting ready for game days, if there’s film preparation I can help with or even, like I said, providing a good laugh here or there. I just couldn’t be more grateful for the role and (I) just want to help in any way I really can.”
Though fans will hope that Mahomes stays healthy (and, by extension, that Minshew remains relegated to the sideline), the move to add a high-end backup quarterback was among the savviest moves made by the Chiefs' front office this month.
