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Chiefs Newcomer’s strong 2025 preseason is a good thing for Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes


Posted August 24, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Gardner Minshew was the team’s best QB of the 2025 preseason. In fact, it wasn’t particularly close, either.

Minshew put a ribbon on his 2025 summer against a NFC opponent, completing 19 of 26 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns, including a last-minute, go-ahead drive capped by a strike to an undrafted rookie wideout.

Minshew signed a short-term veteran deal earlier this offseason in a move that shows how much the Chiefs value his role on the roster. It also confirms that GM Brett Veach doesn’t want the former Washington State star anywhere but Kansas City, even with Patrick Mahomes firmly in place.

It’s been pretty obvious throughout training camp and the preseason that Minshew has a tighter grasp on Andy Reid’s offense than the younger reserves right now, and there’s no doubt players believe in Minshew when he’s in the huddle. Translation? He would be a fine starter for the Chiefs if anything should happen to Mahomes — whether it’s a short-term injury or simply protecting the franchise QB from unnecessary preseason risk.

We’re a long way from any scenario where Mahomes isn’t “the guy,” but it’s clear that Gardner Minshew’s continued development has raised the standard in 2025. Kansas City’s QB room is no longer Mahomes or bust; Minshew’s stock is rising almost as fast as his value inside the locker room.

If there’s one thing that helps NFL players — the real-deal players — reach their maximum upside, it’s competition. It’s also the fear of losing their job. Even in Kansas City, there’s at least a little bit of that for the backup battle. And, no, it won’t be a 2025 “QB1 controversy.” The Chiefs will ride with Mahomes while Minshew sharpens the room and keeps the offense on schedule. But if disaster ever strikes? Or if the offense needs a steady hand for a stretch? All options are on the table.

The awesome Gardner Minshew story could reach new heights if the moment calls. Mahomes has as strong a competitive spirit as anyone on the roster, and if anything will keep him razor-sharp in a championship chase, it’s the surging, steady presence of Minshew behind him.

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”