The Kansas City Chiefs may not be able to rely on Patrick Mahomes to begin the 2026 season after surgery to repair damage to the ACL and LCL in his left knee this week, which means the franchise could be in the market for a starting quarterback for the first time in almost a decade.
Dr. David J. Chao, a former NFL team physicain, compared Mahomes’ injury to that of Carson Wentz back in 2017.
“I’m not suggesting [the injury] will derail Mahomes’ career like it, in some ways, derailed Carson Wentz’s career, but Wentz even said it was an 18-24 month recovery,” Chao said in an X post on Tuesday, December 16. “Can [Mahomes] play from the pocket? Sure, but it might be 2027 when he’s fully mobile Patrick Mahomes like before. This news is significant for the Chiefs.”
Kansas City does not need a longterm starter. Instead, a short-term starter to bridge to Mahomes across the first few weeks, or perhaps the first couple of months, of the campaign is a far better fit. The QB pool in free agency is exceedingly weak, with failed starters, career backups and veterans pushing 40 (or having already surpassed it) as the top options on the list.
There are not many proven talents with viable starting potential, in their primes and on inexpensive deals who will be available, though the one exception is Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers.
Mac Jones Has Rehabilitated NFL Image After Stint With 49ers
The New England Patriots selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 draft (No. 15 overall). However, he never succeeded at a high level beyond his initial campaign, in which Jones earned Pro Bowl honors and finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
New England traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars in March 2024 for a sixth-round pick that the Patriots turned into QB Joe Milton III. Jones hit free agency in March of this year and inked a two-year contract worth a total of $8.4 million with the 49ers to serve as the backup to Brock Purdy.
Purdy sustained multiple injuries early on in the campaign, and Jones subsequently appeared in 10 games. He is 5-3 across eight starts and has thrown for 2,151 yards, 13 TDs and six INTs on a completion rate of 69.6 percent.
Chiefs, Mac Jones Could Replicate Next Year What Vikings, Sam Darnold Accomplished Last Season
Just as Sam Darnold did before him in San Francisco, Jones has set himself up for another shot at a full-time starting job in the NFL.
Darnold, who played and showed less in 2023 than Jones has this season, went on to sign a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He produced a Pro Bowl campaign and a 14-3 regular-season record as the starter, and the Vikings finished the last year in the playoffs.
The Seattle Seahawks came calling in March and paid Darnold over $100 million to be their starter. The Seahawks are now 11-3 and will claim the outright lead in the NFC with a victory over the Los Angeles Rams on the December 18 edition of “Thursday Night Football.”
Jones could find the same pathway back to the top of the league by landing with the Chiefs next year, and he wouldn’t even need to produce over an entire season as Darnold did in 2024.
If Jones starts a handful of games for Kansas City, keeps them competitive and hands the reins back over to Mahomes upon his return to full health, Jones can buy himself the same shot Darnold did at a big contract and NFL longevity.
The Chiefs have the personnel and organizational structure to fit what Jones will likely seek in his next team, while Jones has proven he can lead a team with good players around him. The hitch is that unlike Darnold on a one-year deal, the 49ers inked Jones to a two-year contract.
As such, Kansas City will have to trade for Jones, and San Francisco is likely to ask for a Day 2 draft pick given how well he has played this season.
MLB Legend Carl Yastrzemski’s Inspiring Battle Against Cancer: A Hero’s Unstoppable Fight That’s Captivating the Sports World and Giving Hope to Millions Everywhere
In a deeply moving chapter of his life, MLB legend Carl Yastrzemski, the iconic outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, is now facing a battle that transcends the baseball field—cancer. Known for his remarkable career, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the game, Yastrzemski’s strength and resilience in the face of this disease are proving to be just as inspiring as the incredible moments he provided on the diamond.
A Baseball Icon Who Defined an Era
Carl Yastrzemski’s name is etched in the annals of MLB history. A 3,000-hit club member, 18-time All-Star, and a legendary figure in Boston Red Sox lore, Yastrzemski’s contributions to the game are immeasurable. His remarkable consistency, clutch performances, and leadership on and off the field made him one of the most beloved and respected players in baseball history. His powerful bat, combined with his remarkable defense, earned him a place in the Hall of Fame in 1989, solidifying his status as a legend of the sport.
Now, after retiring from baseball, Yastrzemski faces the toughest challenge of his life—fighting cancer. The news of his diagnosis came as a shock, not just to Red Sox fans but to baseball fans around the world. But just as he did during his illustrious playing career, Yastrzemski is facing this fight with the same courage, determination, and resilience that defined his career on the field.
“I’ve Always Faced Challenges Head-On”
In a powerful statement, Yastrzemski shared, “Cancer may be a tough opponent, but I’ve always faced challenges head-on throughout my life. This is no different. I’m going to approach this fight the same way I approached every game—doing everything I can to win. I’m not backing down.”
These words have struck a chord with millions. Yastrzemski’s unwavering spirit, which carried him through his legendary baseball career, is now being used to inspire others facing their own battles. His message of hope and resilience is a reminder that, no matter the circumstances, strength comes from within, and with the right attitude, anything can be overcome.
Using His Platform to Give Back and Inspire
Even as he faces his own health struggles, Yastrzemski is using his platform to raise awareness for cancer research and support those battling the disease. Throughout his career, he was known for his charitable work, and now, as he faces his personal battle, he continues to use his influence to make a difference.
Yastrzemski has dedicated time and resources to raising awareness for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, ensuring that others who are battling the disease have the resources and support they need. His advocacy and efforts to help those affected by cancer are further solidifying his legacy as not just a baseball legend, but as a champion for others in the fight against cancer.
A Legacy of Leadership, Strength, and Perseverance
Carl Yastrzemski’s legacy in baseball is undeniable, but it’s his strength and leadership off the field that are inspiring a new generation of fans. As he faces cancer, Yastrzemski continues to prove that the heart of a true champion goes beyond the game itself. His courage in fighting this disease with the same tenacity he displayed throughout his career is inspiring millions and reinforcing the idea that true greatness lies in how we face life’s most difficult challenges.
The Fight Is Not Over
Carl Yastrzemski’s battle with cancer is far from over, but his legacy as a fighter—both on and off the field—is growing stronger with each day. As he continues his fight, he remains a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience for millions of people around the world.
Yastrzemski’s journey is a reminder that no matter the challenge, we all have the ability to face adversity with the same determination and grit that made him a legend. As the world watches, his courage in the face of cancer proves that the heart of a champion never stops fighting.
