Chiefs' predicted QB starter for 2026 named and it's not Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason, for most, will be all about the recovery timeline for Patrick Mahomes.

After suffering an ACL injury late in the season, some think there is a real chance Patrick won't be seen until Week 6 of the 2025 season.

Of course, the man himself has stated his desire to be on the field in Week 1, but for that to happen, he will need a good block of training camp practices under his belt. So that timeline is shrinking.

And for ESPN's Seth Walder, in naming the Chiefs' starting quarterback in 2026, he doesn't have Mahomes; he's gone with Marcus Mariota.

"Of course, this hinges on the recovery timeline of Patrick Mahomes, who had surgery in December to repair two ligaments in his left knee," Walder wrote. "Mahomes has indicated he wants to be back for Week 1, and perhaps that will happen. But any prediction about his Week 1 status is just a guess, so I imagine that the Chiefs would want to be cautious with Mahomes, given his importance to the franchise.

"If that is the case, they'd want a reliable backup who can ideally win a few games while Mahomes finishes up his recovery. I believe Mariota fits the bill."

More: Vikings oddly predicted to go after Pro Bowl QB in free agency

Why Mariota makes total sense

The last thing the Chiefs want is for Mahomes to rush back. At the time of writing, there is no clear plan at quarterback, aside from Chris Oladokun. 

Would the Chiefs be fine with him starting instead of Mahomes? Or a veteran like Mariota, who has shown over the years that he is a dependable backup you can win with?

The answer should be simple. 

Yes, Mahomes might be ready for Week 1, but that is far from a sure thing, so let Mariota come in, get acclimated this offseason, and let him start if there is even a shred of doubt over Patrick.

The Chiefs won't want Mahomes to break down again, and Mariota gives them a nice backup who can keep the ship afloat until No. 15 is fully healthy.

More NFL news:

• Analyst offers horror 4-word prediction for Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs
• Analyst claims Ravens out of Super Bowl bubble, but rationale is wrong
• Bengals give stunning Trey Hendrickson future quote that fans will love
• Mike Evans' agent drops huge update over Buccaneers future 
• If Chiefs hit on key offseason priority, it's over for the AFC
• Rams named landing spot for rocket-arm QB
• Bills' Joe Brady reiterates stellar Keon Coleman desire