Kansas city chiefs quarterbacks by year

Kansas City Chiefs Starting Quarterbacks ; Player. GS · L ; Patrick MahomesP. Mahomes. · 25 ; Alex SmithA. Smith. 81 · 30 ; Trent GreenT. Green. 90 · 42 ; Bill. kansas city chiefs starter qbs since ; 1, Mahomes. Patrick Mahomes ; Goff. Jared Goff ; Purdy. Brock Purdy. Bill Kenney was an average to above average quarterback for the Chiefs, making 77 starts for them from kansas city chiefs quarterbacks by year Sporting a pretty decent touchdown to. 1. Patrick Mahomes ( to present). There can't be any question as to who tops this list, and that's because Patrick Mahomes would top every.

Ranking every Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback since 1990

Ranking every Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback since 1990

As the quintessential field general, Len Dawson is synonymous with the golden era of Kansas City Chiefs football. His precise and efficient passing set the standard for the modern-day quarterback and earned him a rightful spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No stranger to the spotlight, Joe Montana's arrival in Kansas City via a blockbuster trade from the San Francisco 49ers instantly commanded attention.

Although already adorned with four Super Bowl rings, Montana's insatiable appetite for success transcended his time on the field. Displaying unparalleled poise and an innate sense of timing, his addition to the Chiefs roster propelled the team to consecutive playoff appearances and a memorable trip to the AFC Championship Game.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Montana's brief yet impactful stint in Kansas City remains etched in the annals of franchise history. Often dubbed the consummate professional, Alex Smith's tenure as the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback was characterized by a relentless drive for perfection.

Acquired in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, Smith immediately infused the Chiefs offense with a sense of urgency and discipline. His cerebral playstyle and ability to expertly read defenses played a crucial role in the team's resurgence, resulting in four playoff appearances during his time under center.

Known for his strong work ethic and selfless attitude, Smith's indelible mark on the franchise will not be forgotten. Showcasing a fiery competitive spirit and an uncanny ability to read defenses, Trent Green emerged as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in Kansas City Chiefs history.

Signed as a free agent, Green quickly established himself as the lynchpin of a high-powered Chiefs offense, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. His exceptional pocket presence and accurate deep ball consistently put the Chiefs in contention for AFC dominance. Even though a Super Bowl championship eluded him, Green's passion and determination solidified his legacy as a fan favorite in Kansas City.

Blending intelligence, vision, and ingenuity, Steve DeBerg's stint as quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs was marked by his unwavering ability to make plays when it mattered most. Acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DeBerg's grit and veteran savvy led an underrated Chiefs team to a number of thrilling victories, including a memorable playoff upset over the heavily favored Houston Oilers.

His penchant for executing play-action passes and challenging defenses with precision passing kept opponents on their heels. Though he never captured a championship, DeBerg's impact on the franchise remains steadfast. Despite achieving greater individual success with the Oakland Raiders, Rich Gannon's time with the Kansas City Chiefs provided glimpses of the elite quarterback he would eventually become.

Signed as a free agent, Gannon's fearless play and unwavering determination helped propel the Chiefs to multiple playoff appearances with his dual-threat style of play. His ability to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield made him a constant headache for opposing defenses. Known for his resilience and tenacity under center, Dave Krieg's two-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs showcased his undeterred spirit and passion for the game.

Signed as a free agent after a prolific career with the Seattle Seahawks, Krieg brought a calming veteran presence to a young Chiefs squad. His quick release and ability to throw on the run allowed him to adapt seamlessly to the Chiefs' offensive scheme.

Although never achieving any significant accolades while in Kansas City, Krieg's impact on the team and its fans was far from insignificant. Kansas city chiefs quarterbacks by year As one of the most underrated quarterbacks in Kansas City Chiefs history, Bill Kenney embodied the spirit of perseverance and determination. Drafted in the late rounds, Kenney defied the odds to become a starter, leading the team to a playoff berth and earning a Pro Bowl selection.

His strong arm, quick decision-making, and innate ability to rally his teammates made him a formidable force under center. Kenney's unwavering commitment to the team and the city of Kansas City remain emblematic of what it means to be a Chief. Though his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was brief, Hall of Famer Warren Moon displayed the same uncanny talent and competitive fire that defined his illustrious career.

Signed as a free agent, Moon brought a wealth of experience and leadership to a young Chiefs team, guiding them to a respectable season. Even in the twilight of his career, Moon's pinpoint accuracy and ability to make plays in the clutch remained evident. His time in Kansas City may have been fleeting, but his impact on the organization and the fans continues to be felt.

Though his time with the Kansas City Chiefs was brief, Ron Jaworski's presence brought a unique blend of veteran savvy and unshakable confidence. Acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles, Jaworski displayed flashes of brilliance with his strong arm and quick decision-making.

Although he never experienced significant success with the Chiefs, his competitive spirit and tireless work ethic earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike. Jaworski's short stint in Kansas City is often overlooked, but his contributions to the team should not be forgotten. A steady veteran presence on an expansion team, Jacky Lee's time with the Kansas City Chiefs provided glimpses of his undeniable talent.

Acquired in a trade from the Houston Oilers , Lee exhibited adaptability and a strong arm, earning him the starting role on the Chiefs' inaugural squad. Though he failed to achieve any significant milestones with the team, Lee's experience and leadership played a valuable role in the development of future generations of Chiefs quarterbacks. His contributions to the early years of the franchise should not be overlooked.

As one of the original members of the Kansas City Chiefs, Cotton Davidson played an integral role in shaping the franchise's early years. Acquired in the AFL allocation draft, Davidson showcased a strong arm and solid mechanics, helping guide the team to a respectable record in their inaugural season. His unwavering commitment to the organization and city laid the foundation for future generations of quarterbacks.

While his statistics may not stack up against modern-day counterparts, Davidson's impact on the Chiefs' early history will forever be remembered. A steady presence under center, Mike Livingston's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was defined by his unwavering commitment to the team and city. Drafted in the middle rounds, Livingston evolved into a reliable starter, guiding the Chiefs to multiple playoff appearances.

His calm demeanor and ability to manage the game effectively made him a crucial component of the Chiefs' offensive attack. While never earning any major accolades, Livingston's steadfast dedication to the franchise left an enduring impact on the organization. As a polarizing figure under center, Elvis Grbac's time with the Kansas City Chiefs was marked by moments of greatness mixed with bouts of inconsistency.

Signed as a free agent after a successful stint with the San Francisco 49ers, Grbac showcased a strong arm and impressive accuracy. His leadership guided the team to multiple playoff appearances, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection during his tenure. Although Grbac ultimately failed to secure a championship, his contributions to the Chiefs' success during the late 90s remain evident.

Signed as a free agent to provide depth at the quarterback position, Matt Moore unexpectedly found himself thrust into the spotlight during the season. Although primarily serving as Patrick Mahomes' backup, Moore's steady play and calm demeanor guided the Chiefs to crucial victories in Mahomes' absence.

Displaying a knack for making accurate throws under pressure, Moore's brief but vital contributions to the championship-winning season endeared him to teammates and fans alike. While his tenure in Kansas City was short-lived, Moore's impact on the team's Super Bowl run will always be remembered. Providing the Kansas City Chiefs with a unique blend of athleticism and resilience, Tyler Thigpen's time under center showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker.

Drafted in the late rounds, Thigpen's impressive arm strength and ability to make plays with his legs made him an exciting, if inconsistent, performer during his brief tenure. Though he never experienced sustained success with the Chiefs, Thigpen's passion for the game and dedication to the team earned him the respect of teammates and fans alike.

Few quarterbacks could earn a fan-favorite status in such a short time as Nick Foles did during his one season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Signed as a free agent, Foles displayed an unflappable demeanor and uncanny ability to make plays when called upon.

His memorable performances, including a thrilling comeback win over the heavily favored Atlanta Falcons, endeared him to teammates and fans alike. While his time in Kansas City was brief, Foles' contributions to the team's success during the season should not be forgotten.

One of the earliest signal-callers in franchise history, Pete Beathard played a crucial role in the Kansas City Chiefs' formative years. Despite not having any significant individual accolades, his contributions to the team's early success laid the groundwork for future generations of talented Chiefs quarterbacks.

Beathard's place in the annals of Chiefs history should not go unrecognized. Tasked with providing valuable depth at the quarterback position, Chad Henne's role with the Kansas City Chiefs has been crucial in supporting the team's overall success. Signed as a free agent, Henne's experience and veteran presence have proven invaluable, particularly during the playoffs when he stepped in for an injured Patrick Mahomes.

His ability to execute high-pressure plays in critical moments showcased his undeniable talent and commitment to the team. Though his individual accolades may be limited, Henne's impact on the Chiefs' continued success is undeniable. Combining a strong arm with a keen football sense, Steve Bono's tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs provided stability at the quarterback position. Acquired in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, Bono quickly established himself as a capable starter, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances.

His intelligent play and poise under pressure kept the Chiefs competitive during his time under center. Though a championship remained elusive, Bono's commitment to the Chiefs' winning culture left a lasting impact on the organization. Although primarily serving as a backup during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chase Daniel's presence on the roster provided valuable depth and dependability.

Signed as a free agent after stints with the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, Daniel's experience and willingness to mentor younger players made him a trusted figure in the locker room. His limited action on the field showcased his ability to step in when called upon, performing admirably in relief of the starting quarterback. Daniel's impact on the team extended beyond the field, as his leadership and professionalism bolstered the Chiefs' success during his tenure.

Primarily remembered for his time with the Cleveland Browns, Brady Quinn's brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs showcased his never-quit attitude and love for the game. Signed as a free agent, Quinn brought experience and depth to the position, filling in at times when called upon. While his on-field performance left much to be desired, Quinn's commitment to the team and unwavering desire to compete earned the respect of his peers.

Though his tenure in Kansas City was short-lived, Quinn's impact on the team extended beyond his performance on the field. Braves blue jays prediction Arriving in Kansas City with high expectations, Matt Cassel's tenure with the Chiefs produced moments of both triumph and disappointment. Acquired in a trade from the New England Patriots, Cassel's strong arm and leadership skills helped guide the team to a division title and playoff appearance during his first season as a Chief.

However, his time in Kansas City was marred by inconsistency and nagging injuries, which prevented him from achieving sustained success. Despite a rollercoaster tenure, Cassel's contributions to the Chiefs' early s success should not be forgotten. Possessing a strong arm and intelligent football mind, Blackledge's tenure with the Chiefs proved frustrating as his on-field performance never quite matched his talent.

Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and inability to secure the starting role ultimately defined his time in Kansas City. Though Blackledge never reached his full potential, his place in Chiefs history remains noteworthy. One of the earliest quarterbacks drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Randy Duncan's time with the team provided glimpses of his raw talent.

Selected in the first round of the AFL allocation draft, Duncan showcased strong mechanics and an impressive arm during his brief tenure. Although he never experienced significant success or earned any major accolades, Duncan's contributions to the early years of the franchise should not be overlooked. His place in the Chiefs' formative history deserves recognition.

Though his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs was brief, Steve Pelluer provided the team with a valuable veteran presence during a transitional period. Signed as a free agent after several seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, Pelluer brought experience and leadership to a young Chiefs squad. Despite limited action on the field, his presence in the locker room played a role in shaping the team's culture and future.

Pelluer's contributions to the Chiefs may not have been flashy, but his impact on the franchise deserves recognition. With a brief stint on the Kansas City Chiefs roster, Hunter Enis demonstrated raw talent and potential that caught the attention of coaches and teammates. Around the same time, the Chiefs also released Matt Cassel.

Alex Smith also recorded 3, yards, twenty-three touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. However, the Chiefs were stunned as they lost in the Wildcard Round to the fourth seeded Indianapolis Colts after leading by early in the 3rd quarter. In , Alex Smith started his fourth straight season as Chiefs quarterback.

He was injured in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, however he only missed one game and backup quarterback Nick Foles led them to a 19—14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars the following week. In , the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes [65] with the 10th selection in the draft. Mahomes spent almost all of that season as the backup to Smith, and on December 31, , with the Chiefs' playoff seeding already secured and most of the starters resting until the following week's Wild Card Round matchup with the Tennessee Titans , Mahomes made his NFL debut as the starting QB, leading the Chiefs to a 27—24 victory over the Denver Broncos.

Mahomes quickly showed off his talents on the field, setting an NFL record with 10 TD passes in his first 3 games [66] and throwing for yards in 8 of the first 9 games of the season. Mahomes ultimately finished the season with 5, passing yards and 50 touchdowns, becoming the youngest player since Dan Marino in to throw for that many yards, and the second player in NFL history, along with Peyton Manning , to throw for 5, passing yards and 50 touchdowns in the same season.

Notable backup quarterbacks have also led the Chiefs to success after substituting for their starting quarterback, including Mike Livingston , [69] Rich Gannon , [70] and Damon Huard. Warren Moon was on the Chiefs' roster for the and seasons under Elvis Grbac and started one game in Grbac's absence.

A quarterback controversy began in the season when Elvis Grbac started the first nine games and suffered an injury, leading to Rich Gannon 's substitution for the next six games. After joining the Raiders, Gannon knocked the Chiefs out of playoff contention in the season when the Raiders defeated the Chiefs by a score of 41—38 in overtime.

Grbac only lasted one season in Baltimore and retired in the offseason. Trent Green had proven himself incredibly durable in his tenure with the Chiefs, and had started every game for the Chiefs since they acquired him in a trade. Kansas city chiefs quarterbacks by year When Green returned, the opinions of Chiefs fans were divided. You have to win the game There's no tomorrow. And you have to do whatever is best for the football team at that point.

I'll do whatever I have to do. When you're in the playoffs, you're desperate. The Chiefs' offense stumbled in the 23—8 loss, [84] and Green threw for yards on of passing with two interceptions. In late January, Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson told Green that he would have to restructure his contract to remain with the team and to brace for a lesser role on offense.

Green voiced his frustration, [90] [91] and criticism was drawn to the Chiefs' apparent neglect to trade Green. Green stated that he was being treated unfairly on and off the field and that the quarterback competition was "substantially weighted" towards Brodie Croyle , who was drafted in On August 25, Huard was named the Chiefs' starting quarterback for the season opener against the Houston Texans.

Croyle started six of the last seven games for the Chiefs, losing all six. In , Croyle started the Chiefs' opening game against the New England Patriots , but suffered a shoulder injury. Croyle suffered a season-ending knee injury in the game, and when Huard substituted, he suffered a thumb injury leading to Thigpen finishing the game at quarterback. Contents move to sidebar hide.

Article Talk. Read Edit View history. Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. For a complete list of starting quarterbacks by season, see List of Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterbacks. General Althaus, Bill Kansas City Chiefs official website. Archived from the original on September 30, Retrieved Pro Football Reference.

Archived from the original on Archived from the original on December 4, Kansas City Chiefs. Archived from the original on March 9, Archived from the original on May 1, Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 11, New York Times. Archived from the original on October 23, Part II". Archived from the original on January 26, Part III".

Archived from the original on February 13, Part IV". Archived from the original on February 12, Part V". Archived from the original on March 17, USA Today.