The Kansas City Chiefs could be preparing to add significant depth behind franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes as they enter a developing trade battle this offseason.
With Mahomes returning from a serious knee injury suffered last season, head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs organization are reportedly looking for a more reliable backup.
The team’s current options behind Mahomes have limited experience, leaving a perceived gap at the position.
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At the center of the discussions is quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is under a contract with a roughly $33.9 million cap hit. This figure reflects the approximate salary tied to Richardson’s deal and explains why multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring him.
According to reports, the Chiefs are among six franchises that have checked in on the potential trade.
Alongside Kansas City, the teams believed to be involved are the Indianapolis Colts, Richardson‘s current team, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens.
Why the Chiefs are interested in Richardson
Kansas City’s motivation stems from uncertainty behind Mahomes. After Gardner Minshew left in free agency, the backup quarterback room looked thin, and the organization is reportedly eager to avoid entering the season with minimal proven depth.
Richardson, despite showing mixed results early in his career, represents a significant upgrade over the current options on the Chiefs roster.
Richardson has started games for the Colts and offers a combination of size, athleticism, and potential that has intrigued rival franchises. For Kansas City and others, acquiring him would not only address a need at the quarterback position, but could also provide a costeffective hedge should Mahomes face any setbacks during his recovery.
Looking ahead as trade discussions unfold
While the list of interested teams reflects varying roster situations, the Chiefs are seen as one of the most intriguing fits due to their Super Bowl window and Mahomes‘ status as a perennial MVP contender.
Whether Kansas City ultimately wins the trade battle remains unclear, but their involvement highlights how aggressively the franchise is trying to build around its star quarterback.
As conversations continue, all six teams will have to decide how much they are willing to offer for Richardson‘s services.
For the Chiefs specifically, the potential move underscores a broader strategy of safeguarding Mahomes‘ future by ensuring there is capable support behind him.