In the ever-evolving chess game that is NFL roster building, the San Francisco 49ers have quietly mastered a strategy that’s turning heads across the league. With quarterbacks scarcer than ever and the 2026 draft class looking underwhelming at the position, teams are scrambling for creative solutions. Enter the Niners’ savvy approach to the backup quarterback market—a blueprint that could allow the Kansas City Chiefs to “steal” their next franchise signal-caller without breaking the bank or relying on lady luck in the draft. It’s not about poaching stars; it’s about cultivating hidden gems and flipping them into high-value assets. The Chiefs, fresh off a turbulent 2025 season marred by Patrick Mahomes’ devastating knee injury, would be foolish not to take notes.
The story starts with Mac Jones, the former New England Patriots first-round pick who fell out of favor before landing in San Francisco. The 49ers didn’t just sign him as a one-year insurance policy behind Brock Purdy—they locked him into a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season. It seemed like a low-risk move at the time: a financially friendly contract with a cap hit under $5 million, providing depth without the drama.
But then Purdy went down with injury, and Jones stepped up. In eight starts, he delivered a 5-3 record, tossing 13 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His completion percentage hovered at an elite 69.6%, with 195.5 yards per game, culminating in a sparkling 97.4 passer rating and a solid 62.3 QBR. Suddenly, Jones wasn’t just a backup; he was a reclamation success story, reminiscent of Sam Bradford’s improbable Super Bowl LX run with the Seattle Seahawks last season.
Now, as the offseason heats up, Jones is a hot commodity. QB-needy teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets are circling, eager to trade for a proven starter on a bargain deal. The Niners sit in the driver’s seat, poised to extract draft picks or other assets in return. It’s a win-win: They bolstered their depth, rehabilitated a player’s value, and now stand to profit handsomely. In a league where quality quarterbacks are at a premium and free-agent options are slim, this strategy is pure genius.
Kansas City has long been the envy of the NFL with Patrick Mahomes under center, but 2025 exposed vulnerabilities that no amount of Andy Reid scheming could fully mask. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL and LCL, thrusting the team into uncertainty. Their backup approach? A revolving door of one-year veteran deals—cheap, short-term fixes that provide minimal long-term security or trade leverage.
Take Gardner Minshew, for example. Signed to a one-year pact last spring, he showed flashes before his own knee injury sidelined him. Now fully recovered and ready for 2026, Minshew could have been a prime trade chip if he’d been on a two-year deal. Instead, the Chiefs face the prospect of renegotiating or letting him walk, all while Mahomes rehabs. What if Mahomes isn’t 100% by Week 1? The insecurity is palpable.
General Manager Brett Veach should look westward and adopt the Niners’ model. Sign a promising veteran backup—or even a young reclamation project—to a two-year contract. It’s not about replacing Mahomes; it’s about building equity. In year one, the backup provides insurance and gets reps if needed. If they shine (or even hold steady), their value skyrockets in a QB-starved market. Come year two, the Chiefs could trade them for picks, players, or cap relief, effectively “stealing” assets that propel the franchise forward.
Imagine this offseason: Instead of another one-and-done veteran, K.C. targets someone like a resurgent Jameis Winston, a steady Teddy Bridgewater, or even a post-rookie-contract bust with upside. Lock them in for two years at a modest rate. If Mahomes stays healthy, great—the backup becomes a mentor and potential trade bait. If not, you’ve got a capable starter ready to roll. In a copycat league, this could become the new norm, but the Chiefs have the cap space (projected at over $30 million) and roster flexibility to strike first.
The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a quarterback carousel, but without the usual star power. The draft lacks a clear franchise savior, and free agents like aging vets or unproven talents won’t move the needle for contenders. That’s why reclamation projects are en vogue post-Bradford’s Seahawks triumph. Teams are realizing that patience and smart contracts can turn “busts” into boons.
For the Chiefs, mimicking San Francisco isn’t just wise—it’s essential. It mitigates risk in the Mahomes era while positioning K.C. to “steal” future value. No more annual backup hunts; instead, build a pipeline of tradable talent. Other franchises will follow suit, but the team that acts now gains the edge.
As Veach and company hit the market, they should think beyond 2026. Sign for depth, develop for value, and trade for the future. The Niners just handed them the ultimate blueprint—now it’s time for Kansas City to execute and secure their next franchise cornerstone, one savvy deal at a time.
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