The Kansas City Chiefs wasted little time signing veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert this offseason. The Missouri native is considered a top-tier backup at the game’s most important position, which was a need for the Chiefs after Chad Henne announced his retirement after Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes has gone down with injuries in the past, and even though he’d prefer to play through pain, there was a clear need for a solid backup entering the 2023 season. Gabbert is a former 2011 first-round pick and was a starter for several teams early in his career. He brings experience and a hunger to prove himself to the franchise.
Gabbert gave an update on his progress through training camp and appreciation for head coach Andy Reid while speaking with reporters on Thursday.
“First and foremost, he’s a great person,” the veteran signal-caller said of Reid. “The biggest thing he lets you kind of be you. And as you’ve seen over the course of the years, he doctors a play call to a specific guy, Alex [Smith] to Patrick [Mahomes], Matt Moore, Chad [Henne], kind of bits and pieces here the last few years. So as a play caller, coach Reid does a great job. The coaching staff does a great job having kind of a plan for each and every guy. But yeah, I mean, his track record speaks for itself. He’s a great coach.”
Gabbert has passed for over 9,000 yards and connected on 51 touchdowns in his career. He’s already built a friendship with Chiefs receiver Justin Watson dating back to their tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while he served as Tom Brady’s backup.
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