Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate a season filled with offensive inconsistencies and look to solidify their quarterback depth, the team made a strategic move this week by signing veteran quarterback Kyle Shurmur to their active roster. The decision comes amid growing concerns about backup quarterback availability—with Chad Henne sidelined by a minor elbow injury and rookie Chris Oladokun still adjusting to NFL speed—leaving Patrick Mahomes with limited support behind him. Shurmur, a six-year NFL veteran with experience as both a backup and practice squad QB, brings a mix of familiarity with pro offenses and a steady presence that the Chiefs hope will shore up their depth at the game’s most critical position. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having reliable quarterback depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, and Shurmur’s signing aims to address that need head-on. Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the reasoning behind the move, Shurmur’s football background, and how he fits into the Chiefs’ short- and long-term plans.

Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Shurmur’s journey through the NFL, which has been defined by resilience and adaptability. A former fifth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2019 NFL Draft, Shurmur spent his rookie season on the Bengals’ practice squad before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2020. Over the next four years, he bounced between practice squads and active rosters for the Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings, never getting more than spot duty in regular-season games but consistently impressing coaches with his work ethic and ability to learn new systems. His most notable stretch came in 2023 with the Vikings, where he served as the primary backup for three games and completed 7 of 12 passes for 64 yards in limited action, showing poise under pressure. “Kyle’s always been a guy who makes the most of his opportunities,” said former Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He studies film like a starter, knows the playbook inside out, and can step in and run the offense without missing a beat—that’s the kind of backup every team wants.” It’s that reputation for reliability that made Shurmur an attractive target for the Chiefs as they looked to add depth.

Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs delves into the specific needs that Shurmur’s signing addresses for the Chiefs. Entering Week 15, the Chiefs’ quarterback room was thin: Mahomes, the undisputed starter, was healthy, but Henne—who has been Mahomes’ backup since 2020—was listed as questionable with an elbow injury sustained in practice, and Oladokun, a 2022 undrafted free agent, had only appeared in one NFL game. With the Chiefs still in the thick of the AFC West race, the risk of playing without a proven backup was too great. Shurmur’s experience in multiple offensive systems—including schemes similar to the Chiefs’ West Coast-based attack—means he can quickly learn Andy Reid’s playbook and be ready to contribute if called upon. “We needed someone who could step in and know the basics right away,” said Chiefs quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy. “Kyle’s played in systems that emphasize pre-snap reads and quick decisions, which aligns with what we do here. He won’t need six weeks to get up to speed—he can be ready by Sunday if we need him.” Beyond immediate depth, Shurmur also provides a mentor for Oladokun, helping the rookie refine his mechanics and understanding of NFL defenses.

Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs examines how Shurmur’s familiarity with Reid’s offensive philosophy could make his transition to the Kansas City Chiefs smoother than most. While Shurmur has never played for Reid directly, he spent the 2021 season with the Eagles—where Reid served as head coach from 1999 to 2012—and worked under offensive coordinator Mike Groh, who played for Reid in Philadelphia and learned his system firsthand. That connection means Shurmur already understands the core principles of Reid’s offense: the emphasis on timing routes, the use of play-action passes to create mismatches, and the importance of adapting to defenses on the fly. “Having that background is a huge advantage,” said Nagy. “Kyle doesn’t have to learn the ‘why’ behind our plays—he already gets it. That cuts down on the learning curve and lets him focus on the little details that make a difference.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this familiarity reduces the risk of inefficiency if Shurmur has to play, as he won’t be starting from scratch when it comes to running the offense. It also means Mahomes won’t have to spend extra time helping a new backup learn the playbook, allowing him to focus on his own preparation.

Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs explores how Shurmur’s role with the Kansas City Chiefs could evolve beyond just being a backup. While his immediate job is to support Mahomes and fill in if Henne remains sidelined, Shurmur’s experience as a practice squad QB and his ability to learn quickly could make him a valuable asset in other ways. Coaches often use veteran backups to simulate opposing quarterbacks in practice, helping the defense prepare for upcoming opponents’ playstyles. Shurmur, who has studied dozens of NFL offenses over his career, can mimic the tendencies of QBs like the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen or the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson—giving the Chiefs’ defense a more realistic look during practice. “Having a guy like Kyle who can replicate other QBs is huge for our defense,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “He knows how to read defenses the way those guys do, which makes our practice reps more productive.” Additionally, Shurmur’s presence could help stabilize the quarterback room’s culture; as a veteran who has been in the league for years, he can offer guidance to Oladokun, sharing tips on how to handle the mental and physical demands of being an NFL backup. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Shurmur’s value extends far beyond just his ability to throw a football—it’s about the intangibles he brings to the team.

Kyle Shurmur Signed as QB for the Kansas City Chiefs wraps up with why this signing matters for the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes and what it says about the team’s approach to roster building. In the NFL, injuries are inevitable, and teams that fail to plan for them often see their seasons derailed. The Chiefs, who have their sights set on another Super Bowl run, understand that protecting Mahomes and ensuring there’s a reliable backup in place is critical. Shurmur’s signing isn’t a sign that the Chiefs are worried about Mahomes’ health—it’s a sign that they’re being proactive, avoiding the kind of last-minute scramble that can happen when a backup goes down. “We’ve seen what happens when teams don’t have QB depth,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “We’re not going to let that be a weakness for us. Kyle gives us the security we need to keep competing at the highest level.” While Shurmur may never take a snap in a regular-season game for the Chiefs, his presence provides peace of mind for coaches, players, and fans alike. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this move is about more than just adding a quarterback—it’s about protecting their investment in Mahomes and doing everything possible to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive. As the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach, having a steady hand like Shurmur in the quarterback room could end up being one of the most important moves the Chiefs make all season.