Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have long been synonymous with elite quarterback play thanks to Patrick Mahomes, but this offseason and preseason, the franchise has generated fresh excitement by investing in and showcasing promising rookie quarterback options. While Mahomes remains the undisputed starter and face of the franchise, the Chiefs’ addition of two talented rookies—fourth-round draft pick Brady Cook out of Missouri and undrafted free agent Jake Haener from Fresno State—has sparked conversations about the team’s future at the position and its ability to maintain quarterback excellence for years to come. Both rookies have turned heads in training camp and preseason games with their poise, arm talent, and ability to execute Andy Reid’s complex offense, giving the Chiefs a depth advantage at a position where many teams struggle to find even one reliable player. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of forward-thinking roster building, as the team balances winning now with securing its future.

Cook, the Chiefs’ fourth-round selection (122nd overall), has emerged as the most talked-about rookie QB option, and for good reason. The former Missouri standout brings a unique blend of size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), arm strength, and mobility—traits that align with the Chiefs’ offensive philosophy. In his final college season, Cook threw for 3,189 yards and 24 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions, leading the Tigers to a bowl victory and earning second-team All-SEC honors. What has impressed Chiefs coaches most, however, is his ability to learn quickly: Cook mastered the team’s base playbook in less than a month of training camp and has made few mental errors in preseason action. In the Chiefs’ first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, Cook completed 14 of 21 passes for 156 yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Nikko Remigio, leading a 9-play, 75-yard scoring drive that showcased his composure under pressure. His performance drew praise from Mahomes, who called Cook “a quick study” and “someone who’s going to be a great asset to this team.” For fans, Cook represents a potential successor to Mahomes down the line—or at the very least, a reliable backup who can step in if needed. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is fueled in large part by Cook’s early success, as he’s exceeded expectations and proven he belongs at the NFL level.

Haener, the undrafted free agent, has been a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs, turning what was initially a “camp body” role into a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster. The Fresno State product may lack Cook’s physical tools—he’s shorter (6-foot-0) and has a slightly weaker arm—but he makes up for it with exceptional football IQ, quick decision-making, and a knack for extending plays with his legs. Haener’s college career was marked by consistency: he threw for 9,810 yards and 71 touchdowns over four seasons (including two at Washington before transferring to Fresno State) and led the Bulldogs to two Mountain West Conference titles. In the Chiefs’ second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Haener stole the show, completing 16 of 22 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, including a 35-yard deep ball to wide receiver Justin Watson that demonstrated his ability to stretch the field. What has endeared Haener to Chiefs fans is his scrappiness: he’s taken hits in the pocket, scrambled for first downs when plays break down, and shown a willingness to do the little things—like blocking on running plays—that often go unnoticed but win games. While Cook is likely to be the Chiefs’ No. 2 QB this season, Haener has made a strong case for a spot on the practice squad (or even the active roster) with his preseason performances. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is also a story of underdog success, as Haener has defied the odds and become a fan favorite.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to invest in rookie QB options is a strategic move that reflects the franchise’s commitment to sustained success. For years, the Chiefs have relied on Mahomes as their sole elite QB, with backups like Chad Henne and Blaine Gabbert providing solid but unspectacular depth. By drafting Cook and signing Haener, the Chiefs are building a “quarterback pipeline”—a system where young QBs can learn from Mahomes and Reid, develop their skills, and eventually contribute to the team. This approach is similar to what the Green Bay Packers did with Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre, or the San Francisco 49ers with Steve Young and Joe Montana—proven models for maintaining quarterback excellence across generations. The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach, Matt Nagy, has played a key role in this development, working one-on-one with Cook and Haener daily to refine their mechanics, improve their reads, and teach them the nuances of Reid’s offense. Nagy has called both rookies “coachable” and “hungry,” noting that they “ask the right questions and take feedback well.” For the Chiefs, having two talented rookies behind Mahomes isn’t just about depth—it’s about creating competition, pushing Mahomes to stay sharp, and ensuring the team isn’t caught off guard if Mahomes ever gets injured or retires. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is a testament to the team’s long-term vision, as they’re not just winning now—they’re planning for the future.

Another reason the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie QB options are generating excitement is their ability to complement Mahomes rather than compete with him. Both Cook and Haener have embraced their roles as backups, spending countless hours watching film with Mahomes, asking him questions about game management, and even mimicking his pre-snap routines in practice. Mahomes has been a willing mentor, sharing his knowledge of Reid’s offense and offering tips on how to handle the pressure of playing for the Chiefs. “When I first got here, Alex Smith helped me a lot, so I want to do the same for these guys,” Mahomes said in a recent interview. “They’re both talented, and if they keep working, they’re going to have great careers—whether it’s here or somewhere else.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff has also used the rookies to help Mahomes prepare for games: Cook and Haener often simulate opposing QBs in practice, running the same plays and using the same cadences that Mahomes will face on Sundays. This not only helps Mahomes get ready but also gives the rookies valuable reps and a better understanding of NFL defenses. For fans, seeing Mahomes mentor the rookies has been heartwarming, as it shows the reigning MVP’s commitment to the team’s success beyond his own career. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is thus a story of teamwork and leadership, as the Chiefs’ star player is helping build the next generation of talent.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie QB options have the potential to impact the team in multiple ways this season and beyond. In the short term, Cook could serve as the No. 2 QB, providing reliable depth if Mahomes needs a rest or gets injured. Haener, meanwhile, could land on the practice squad, where he’ll continue to develop and potentially be called up if needed. In the long term, one of the rookies could emerge as Mahomes’ successor—a scenario that would keep the Chiefs in contention for Super Bowls for years to come. Even if neither Cook nor Haener becomes a starter in Kansas City, the experience they gain with the Chiefs will make them valuable assets: they could be traded to other teams for draft picks, or they could sign with other franchises as free agents and become starters elsewhere. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this is a win-win: they get depth at QB now, and they build value for the future. For fans, the rookie QBs have added a new layer of excitement to the season—beyond the usual anticipation of Mahomes and the Super Bowl hunt. Excites with Rookie QB Options for the Kansas City Chiefs is ultimately a story of hope and possibility, as the team has not only secured its present with Mahomes but also laid the groundwork for a bright future at the most important position in football. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on Cook and Haener, as fans and analysts alike wait to see what these young QBs can do next.