The Kansas City Chiefs have had Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, Pro Bowl selections and even a Hall of Fame legend under center. But only a few have made a lasting mark on the franchise.

Here are the 10 greatest quarterbacks in Kansas City Chiefs franchise history, based on their production, achievements and importance to the team.

10. Dave Krieg

Dave Krieg spent only two seasons with the Chiefs from 1992 to 1993. In his first year, he went 10-6 as a starter and led the league in yards per completion. After Kansas City traded for Joe Montana, Krieg moved into a backup role but still went 3-2 as a starter in 1993.

9. Bill Kenney

According to Arrowhead Addict, Bill Kenney was the Chiefs’ starting quarterback from 1980 to 1988. He helped Kansas City reach the playoffs in 1986, ending a 15-year postseason wait. Kenney also ranks fifth on the Chiefs’ all-time passing list.

8. Elvis Grbac

Elvis Grbac started for Kansas City from 1997 through 2000 after joining the team from the San Francisco 49ers. He finished with a 26-21 record as a starter and helped the Chiefs reach the postseason twice. Grbac also earned a Pro Bowl selection after the 2000 season.

7. Steve DeBerg

Steve DeBerg was the Chiefs’ starting quarterback from 1988 to 1991. He finished his Kansas City career with a 31-20-1 record. His best season came in 1990, when he threw for 3,444 yards, 23 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also finished sixth in NFL MVP voting that year.

6. Steve Bono

Steve Bono joined Kansas City as a backup to Joe Montana before becoming the team’s starter. He went 21-10 across two seasons as a starter, including a 13-win campaign in 1995. Bono earned his only Pro Bowl selection that season before the Chiefs moved on after 1996.

5. Trent Green

Trent Green became Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2001 and remained with the team through the 2005 season.

He made two Pro Bowls, in 2003 and 2005, and passed for more than 4,000 yards in three seasons. Green also became an important leader for the Chiefs during his five-year run.

4. Alex Smith

Alex Smith arrived in Kansas City in 2013 after the Chiefs acquired him from the 49ers. He averaged 10 wins in five seasons as the Chiefs’ starter and earned three Pro Bowl selections. Smith threw 102 touchdowns against 33 interceptions and also recorded more than 1,600 rushing yards during his time with the team.

3. Joe Montana

Joe Montana spent only two seasons with Kansas City, but his arrival brought a new level of attention to the franchise. The Chiefs became a regular national attraction during his time with the team and reached the AFC Championship Game in the 1993 season.

Montana’s presence also helped make Kansas City a more attractive destination around the NFL.

2. Len Dawson

Len Dawson became the quarterback who helped establish the Chiefs as a major franchise in the AFL era. After joining the Dallas Texans, he developed into one of the league’s most accurate passers.

Dawson led Kansas City to two Super Bowl appearances and won Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings. He also made six AFL All-Star teams and one Pro Bowl during his career with the franchise.

1. Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes quickly became one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Chiefs history. In the source period, he has earned three Super Bowl MVP awards, two regular-season MVP trophies and six Pro Bowl selections. He has also won 74 of 96 regular-season games and thrown 219 touchdowns.

Mahomes has also become known for his unique plays, including left-handed throws, difficult scrambles and passes made from unusual angles. His arrival gave Kansas City another defining quarterback era after decades of searching for consistency at the position.

From Dave Krieg to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have had quarterbacks who shaped different periods of the franchise. These 10 stand out for their production, achievements and place in Kansas City history.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj