The quarterback room is going to be a much-talked-about topic for the Kansas City Chiefs in the coming months. At least until Patrick Mahomes gets healthy and returns during the 2026 season. Until then, Andy Reid and the team will have to sort out the depth chart as OTAs approach.
And while Justin Fields is expected to handle QB1 reps through the offseason, Kansas City has already started trimming the room. As reported by Ari Meirov on Monday, the Chiefs waived quarterback Jake Haener ahead of OTAs.
The #Chiefs have waived QB Jake Haener.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 4, 2026
Now, heading into 2026, the Chiefs have reduced their quarterback depth by releasing the 27-year-old. The move comes just three months after he signed a reserve/future contract with Kansas City. At that time, the team was still evaluating its options at the position. Recent developments suggest he no longer fits into those plans.
For context, Mahomes is currently recovering from ACL and LCL injuries suffered late in the 2025 season. While he remains optimistic about a Week 1 return, the final call will depend on medical evaluations and the organization’s decision.
If Mahomes is not ready, the Chiefs are likely to lean on Fields. Kansas City acquired Fields in a trade from the New York Jets and is expected to lead the offseason work. Behind them, Kansas City also has Chris Oladokun, a former seventh-round pick who has been with the team for multiple seasons and has started two games.
The Chiefs also added Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round (No. 249 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Oladokun and Nussmeier are unlikely to be immediate backup options once Mahomes returns, the current structure makes it clear that Fields is the primary insurance plan. With four quarterbacks already on the roster, Reid and the Chiefs have now moved on from their fifth option in Haener.
This is a developing story. Stay Tuned!
