Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly opted to keep backup quarterback Shane Buechele on their active roster for the remainder of the 2025 season, a move that solidifies the team’s quarterback depth as they enter the playoff stretch. Buechele, who joined the Chiefs in 2024 after stints with the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, had been the subject of speculation about his roster status earlier in the month—with some reports suggesting the Chiefs might waive him to free up a spot for a defensive lineman. However, the team’s decision to retain Buechele underscores their commitment to stability at the quarterback position, especially with starter Patrick Mahomes having played through minor shoulder soreness in recent weeks. For the Chiefs, Buechele isn’t just a “third string” afterthought; he’s a trusted backup who knows Andy Reid’s offense, contributes to practice preparation, and can step in if needed. Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus explores the reasoning behind the decision, Buechele’s role with the team, and why quarterback depth matters for a Super Bowl contender.

To understand the value of keeping Buechele, it’s important to examine his background and how he fits into the Chiefs’ quarterback room. Buechele, a former fifth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2020, spent three seasons as a practice squad and backup quarterback before joining the Chiefs in 2024. What sets him apart from other backup quarterbacks is his ability to quickly learn and execute Reid’s complex offensive scheme—a skill that took him just one offseason to master. During his time with the Chiefs, Buechele has appeared in four games, primarily in garbage time, completing 18 of 27 passes for 165 yards and one touchdown. While he hasn’t been tested in high-pressure situations, he’s shown poise and accuracy when given the chance. Buechele also brings a strong work ethic to the locker room, often staying late to review film with Mahomes and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. “Shane is a student of the game,” said Bieniemy in a recent interview. “He knows our playbook inside and out, and he’s always prepared. That’s exactly what you want in a backup quarterback.” Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus frames Buechele’s scheme familiarity and work ethic as key reasons for his retention.

The timing of Buechele’s retention is particularly significant for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are navigating a busy stretch of games while managing Mahomes’ minor injuries. Mahomes missed one practice in Week 15 with shoulder soreness, and while he hasn’t missed any game time, the Chiefs are taking precautions to avoid a more serious injury. Having Buechele on the roster means the team doesn’t have to rush to sign an unfamiliar quarterback if Mahomes needs a week off or if backup Blaine Gabbert (who has dealt with a knee injury this season) is unavailable. In practice, Buechele plays a critical role in simulating opposing quarterbacks—mimicking the playing style of upcoming opponents like the Las Vegas Raiders’ Aidan O’Connell and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow to help the Chiefs’ defense prepare. This “scout team” role is often overlooked but is vital to a team’s success: it allows the defense to practice against realistic looks, improving their readiness for game day. “Shane does a great job of imitating other quarterbacks,” said defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “He studies their tendencies, their cadence, and their decision-making. That helps our defense get better every week.” Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus highlights how Buechele’s practice role supports the entire team.

Buechele’s retention also aligns with the Kansas City Chiefs’ long-standing philosophy of prioritizing quarterback depth—a lesson they learned the hard way in 2020, when Mahomes missed two games with a concussion and backup Chad Henne had to lead the team to a playoff win. Since then, the Chiefs have made it a priority to keep at least two reliable quarterbacks on the roster, ensuring they’re never caught off guard by an injury. Buechele’s presence gives the Chiefs a third option, which is especially valuable during the playoffs, when a single injury can derail a championship run. The Chiefs also value Buechele’s age (27), as he’s young enough to develop further while still having enough NFL experience to contribute immediately. Unlike some veteran backups who are set in their ways, Buechele is willing to adapt to the Chiefs’ system and learn from Mahomes. “We believe in building for the future, even as we compete for championships now,” said general manager Brett Veach. “Shane has the potential to be a long-term backup here, and keeping him gives us stability at a position that’s critical to our success.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ focus on quarterback depth has been a key part of their sustained success, and retaining Buechele is a continuation of that strategy. Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus emphasizes how the decision fits into the team’s broader roster philosophy.

Another factor in Buechele’s retention is his impact on team chemistry—an often-underappreciated aspect of being a backup quarterback. Buechele has embraced his role as a supporting player, never complaining about limited playing time and instead focusing on helping Mahomes and the offense succeed. He’s often seen on the sidelines during games, offering encouragement to teammates and relaying information from the coaching staff to the offense. Mahomes has spoken highly of Buechele’s attitude, calling him a “great teammate” who makes the quarterback room a positive environment. “Shane is all about the team,” said Mahomes. “He doesn’t care about getting credit; he just wants to help us win. That kind of mindset is contagious, and it makes our whole team better.” Buechele also connects well with younger players, especially rookies on the offensive side of the ball, helping them learn the playbook and adjust to the NFL. For the Kansas City Chiefs, team chemistry is just as important as talent, and Buechele’s presence contributes to a culture of unity and support. Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus explores how Buechele’s off-field impact strengthens the team.

Looking ahead, Buechele’s decision to stay with the Kansas City Chiefs could have long-term implications for both the player and the team. If he continues to develop and learn from Mahomes and Reid, he could eventually become a more permanent backup or even a candidate for a starting role elsewhere in the league. For the Chiefs, retaining Buechele ensures they have a familiar, reliable option at quarterback for the 2025 playoffs and beyond—avoiding the need to sign an unproven free agent or draft a quarterback high in the draft. As the Chiefs prepare to face the Raiders in Week 16, Buechele will continue to play his role in practice, simulating O’Connell’s style and helping the defense get ready for the game. While he may not see much game time this season, his contributions behind the scenes will be just as important to the Chiefs’ success. “Shane is a key part of our team, even if he’s not on the field every Sunday,” said Reid. “He works hard, he’s prepared, and he’s ready to step in if we need him. That’s the kind of player you want in your organization.” Shane Buechele Reportedly Stays with Squad for the Kansas City Chiefs thus concludes by emphasizing that Buechele’s retention is more than just a roster move—it’s an investment in the team’s short-term playoff hopes and long-term stability.