Chad Henne’s free agency challenges KC Chiefs’ roster philosophy
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs have several other decisions to make that are far, far more important than anything they will do at the quarterback position. That said, they are not without considerations there, even with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.
When a team has the greatest quarterback in the game starting under center (we’re not arguing this here), there’s really not much to worry about at the position or even on the offensive side. That’s certainly true for the Chiefs who would sport an above-average defense even if some key players left and/or others were injured. As it is, they’re expected to have one of the league’s greatest offensive units year after year—mostly due to the presence of Mahomes (and having a Hall of Fame coach in Andy Reid doesn’t hurt).
Beyond Mahomes, however, the Chiefs are going to have to make a choice this fall and it has to do with Chad Henne. The decision, however, really isn’t so much about Henne and what he does or does not bring to the team. Rather it’s what his presence represents and whether or not the Chiefs feel they still need it.
Do the Chiefs need a player like Chad Henne around for another year behind Patrick Mahomes?
The Chiefs are four years into Henne at this point after he signed successive two-year deals in the 2018 and 2020 offseasons. After trading Alex Smith to the Washington Football Team, the Chiefs signed Henne to be Mahomes’ veteran mentor and positional stability. Over his four years in K.C., Henne completed 41 of 57 passes in 8 total games (1 start) for 359 yards and 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. He did throw a pick in the postseason in relief of Mahomes in a close win over the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 postseason.
Four years later, the question has to be asked: Does Mahomes need someone like Henne anymore?