Chiefs Announce Key Defensive Signing for Andy Reid as Patrick Mahomes Gets a $25M Backup
Since the Chiefs lost Super Bowl LIX, nothing has been the same in Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid suffered an unthinkable defeat on February 9, forcing the Chiefs to pick up the pieces and adjust accordingly. The six sacks and the devastating 24-0 deficit at halftime have haunted Andy Reid and the franchise, pushing them to strengthen their roster with more firepower. As a result, the Chiefs have signed a key defensive player.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, “DE Charles Omenihu is returning to the Chiefs on a one-year deal worth a maximum of $7 million.” This news broke amid the departure of Tershawn Wharton, following Joe Thuney’s exit. The loss of key defensive players sent shockwaves through Kansas City, but the homecoming of Charles Omenihu has brought a much-needed sigh of relief.
The 27-year-old Charles Omenihu has been playing alongside Patrick Mahomes since 2023, after leaving the San Francisco 49ers following the 2021 and 2022 seasons. A Super Bowl champion, Omenihu, has proven himself to be a formidable force on the defensive line. His stats speak for themselves—since entering the league in 2019, he has played in 78 games, recording 101 total tackles, including 62 solo and 39 assisted.
While the exact contract details haven’t been disclosed, sources suggest it’s similar to his previous deal. According to Adam Schefter, the new contract is expected to be worth up to $7 million. Omenihu originally joined the Chiefs in 2023 on a two-year, $16 million deal. However, after his contract expired post-Super Bowl, there was uncertainty about whether he would return. Now, it’s official—reporters have confirmed that the Chiefs are bringing Charles Omenihu back.
Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes just got a backup quarterback whose contract is worth more than what he originally signed with the franchise. Curious about Gardner Minshew’s signing? Let’s break it down.
Patrick Mahomes got Gardner Minshew as a backup
The 28-year-old Gardner Minshew has officially landed in Kansas City! The former Washington State Cougars standout is entering his seventh year in the league, and the Chiefs will be his fifth NFL team. “Super fired up to be part of a winning operation, a winning organization. Just want to do anything to help—bring energy to meetings, support Patrick Mahomes, whatever it takes.” Those were Minshew’s words when he spoke with Fox4 News Kansas City sports anchor Harold R. Kuntz, making it clear he’s ready to embrace his new role with the Chiefs.
via Imago
He has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs. While the team hasn’t revealed the exact contract details, they expect it to be in the range of his previous deal or average annual salary. Minshew, now Patrick Mahomes’ backup, played the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders on a $25 million contract—an average of $12.5 million per year. But why is this signing so significant for the Chiefs?
With all due respect to Carson Wentz’s abilities, Gardner Minshew is poised to be a strong asset for Kansas City. Over his six-year career, he has played in 59 games, throwing for 11,950 yards. His completion rate stands at an impressive 63.3%, having attempted 1,729 passes and completed 1,094 of them. For comparison, Patrick Mahomes’ career completion rate sits at 66.6%. That’s why this pairing is so intriguing—how will the dynamic between Mahomes and Minshew play out? Chiefs fans are in for an exciting season!
