The news that Shane Buechele was released by the Chiefs marked a turning point in the young quarterback’s NFL journey. Once seen as a promising backup option behind Patrick Mahomes, Buechele’s release ended a multi-year run with Kansas City that began in 2021. Since then, his career has taken new directions, leaving fans curious about where the former Texas and SMU standout will land next.
As of January 2026, Buechele remains a free agent, reflecting the unpredictable nature of professional football. This article breaks down his time with the Chiefs, the reasons behind his release, his stint with the Buffalo Bills, and what could be next for the talented quarterback.
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Early Days in Kansas City
Shane Buechele joined the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2021, signing as an undrafted free agent following the 2021 NFL Draft. Though he went undrafted, his college pedigree and sharp football IQ quickly earned him attention from the Chiefs coaching staff.
During his time in training camp and preseason, Buechele demonstrated strong command of the offense. His accuracy, quick release, and poise under pressure were reminiscent of a developmental quarterback who could grow under head coach Andy Reid’s system.
In 2021, Buechele spent most of the season on Kansas City’s practice squad but was elevated to the active roster late in the year as insurance behind Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne. While he never took a regular-season snap during his first season, his progress during practice sessions earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Competition for the Backup Role
Heading into the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Buechele was viewed as a legitimate contender for the Chiefs’ primary backup role. Veteran quarterback Chad Henne was approaching retirement, and Buechele’s grasp of the playbook made him a logical successor.
During the 2023 preseason, Buechele delivered strong performances, completing over 70% of his passes and leading multiple scoring drives. In several exhibition games, he showed confidence running Andy Reid’s complex offense, making quick reads and connecting on deep throws that showcased his potential.
However, despite those flashes, the Chiefs made a surprising move before the final 2023 roster cutdown — releasing Shane Buechele and opting to go with Blaine Gabbert as Mahomes’ backup.
Why the Chiefs Released Shane Buechele
When news broke that the Chiefs released Shane Buechele, many fans were stunned. The decision, however, was rooted in a combination of roster priorities and experience.
At the time, Kansas City had just signed veteran quarterback Blaine Gabbert, a former first-round pick with more than a decade of NFL experience. The Chiefs valued Gabbert’s veteran presence and familiarity with backup responsibilities, especially with their ongoing championship aspirations.
Buechele’s release wasn’t necessarily a reflection of poor performance — in fact, team insiders described it as a “numbers game.” The Chiefs needed additional roster flexibility for other position groups, and carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster was not part of their 2023 strategy.
Still, Buechele’s preseason success didn’t go unnoticed across the league, and it didn’t take long for another team to show interest.
Signing with the Buffalo Bills
Shortly after being released, Buechele was signed by the Buffalo Bills, joining their practice squad in September 2023. The move provided him with another chance to develop under a high-caliber offensive system, this time behind quarterback Josh Allen.
Buffalo’s coaching staff appreciated Buechele’s intelligence, composure, and leadership qualities. He was quickly integrated into the Bills’ quarterback room and served as an emergency backup option throughout the season.
In January 2024, Buffalo signed Buechele to a reserve/future contract, signaling their interest in keeping him within the organization during the offseason. While he didn’t see in-game action, he remained active in practice, helping prepare the team’s defense and quarterbacks for opponents each week.
Buechele’s Career Status in 2026
As of January 2026, Buechele is a free agent. He spent time on the Bills’ offseason roster through mid-2024 but was released before the regular season began. Since then, no active team has signed him to a regular-season deal, though several franchises reportedly evaluated him for potential backup or practice squad opportunities.
Buechele remains an experienced, system-ready quarterback who has worked under two of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds — Andy Reid and Sean McDermott. His exposure to elite quarterback play from both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen has shaped his understanding of pro-level offensive execution.
Career Overview and Performance Stats
Shane Buechele’s NFL career has primarily consisted of preseason and practice squad contributions. While he has yet to record an official regular-season statistic, his preseason performances have demonstrated his value as a capable depth quarterback.
NFL Preseason Stats Snapshot (2021–2023):
- Completion percentage: 67.5%
- Touchdowns: 5
- Interceptions: 2
- Passing yards: 674
- Quarterback rating: 98.3
These numbers reflect a quarterback who performs well in limited opportunities and can execute game plans effectively under pressure. His consistency and accuracy in exhibition play have kept him on multiple teams’ radar lists.
College Career Highlights
Before his NFL journey, Buechele built an impressive college résumé. He began his career at the University of Texas, where he became the first freshman in school history to start a season opener since 1944.
After two seasons with the Longhorns, he transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he flourished under head coach Sonny Dykes. In two years at SMU, Buechele recorded:
- 7,000+ passing yards
- 57 touchdown passes
- Completion rate above 63%
His leadership and accuracy made SMU one of the top offensive teams in college football during his tenure. That success laid the foundation for his NFL opportunity.
What the Chiefs’ Decision Meant for Their Quarterback Room
When the Chiefs released Shane Buechele, it solidified their quarterback depth chart for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Patrick Mahomes remained the unquestioned starter, while Blaine Gabbert filled the backup role.
The decision underscored Kansas City’s preference for veteran reliability behind their franchise player, especially as the team pursued back-to-back Super Bowl runs. Buechele’s departure also made room for roster flexibility, allowing the Chiefs to allocate resources toward other critical positions like the offensive line and secondary.
While Buechele’s time in Kansas City ended earlier than expected, his three seasons with the organization helped him develop within one of the most demanding offensive systems in football.
Shane Buechele’s Skill Set and Playing Style
Buechele’s style of play is defined by quick decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. He isn’t known for elite arm strength, but he compensates with sharp reads and efficient pocket movement.
Key attributes include:
- High football IQ: Recognizes defensive coverages and adjusts plays effectively.
- Accurate short and intermediate throws: Excels in timing routes and quick passes.
- Calm under pressure: Maintains composure in collapsing pockets.
- Leadership: Teammates often cite his confidence and communication skills.
These traits make him an appealing candidate for teams looking for a smart, reliable backup capable of managing an NFL offense if called upon.
The Market for Quarterbacks Like Buechele
In today’s NFL, backup quarterbacks play an increasingly vital role. Teams need reliable options who can step in without disrupting offensive rhythm. Players like Buechele, with experience in multiple systems and strong preparation habits, fit that mold.
With injuries and performance shifts inevitable throughout a long NFL season, many franchises evaluate experienced free agents to bolster depth. Buechele’s familiarity with pro-level playbooks and his clean off-field record keep him on the radar for potential midseason signings or offseason tryouts in 2026.
Potential Landing Spots in the Future
While no active contract has been reported as of January 2026, several teams could represent logical fits for Buechele in the future:
- Los Angeles Rams: Known for developing backup quarterbacks under Sean McVay.
- Cleveland Browns: Consistently in search of reliable depth behind Deshaun Watson.
- New Orleans Saints: Their system values accurate, cerebral passers.
- Minnesota Vikings: With roster transitions expected, veteran backups could be prioritized.
Though these destinations remain speculative until formal workouts occur, Buechele’s track record positions him as a potential fit for teams emphasizing quarterback depth and stability.
Reflections on His Time with the Chiefs
For Shane Buechele, the Chiefs years were formative. Working daily with Patrick Mahomes provided rare insight into elite quarterback play. Coaches frequently mentioned Buechele’s diligence in studying film, learning from Mahomes’ improvisational instincts, and applying those lessons during practice.
His professionalism and team-first mentality earned respect in the locker room. Even after his release, Chiefs players publicly expressed admiration for his work ethic and character. Those intangibles remain vital assets as he looks to continue his career elsewhere.
Legacy and Lessons Learned
Though his professional journey hasn’t followed a straight path, Buechele’s story embodies persistence and adaptability. Many NFL quarterbacks take years to find the right situation, and Buechele’s continued commitment to improvement mirrors that of several long-tenured backups who later found success when opportunity struck.
At just 27 years old, he still has time to extend his career and carve out a lasting role in the league. Whether that comes through another practice squad signing, an offseason competition, or a coaching transition, Buechele’s experience with two high-performing organizations strengthens his résumé.
Shane Buechele Released Chiefs: Where Things Stand Today
As of 2026, the phrase “Shane Buechele released Chiefs” serves as both a headline and a reminder of how quickly NFL careers can shift. From an undrafted rookie in 2021 to a key developmental player in Kansas City’s quarterback room, Buechele’s path demonstrates how timing, roster needs, and opportunity intersect in professional sports.
He may no longer wear a Chiefs uniform, but his time under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes shaped him into a more polished, mentally sharp quarterback ready for future challenges.
While Shane Buechele’s chapter with the Chiefs has closed, his story in the NFL is far from over. His work ethic, leadership, and resilience continue to define his journey — and fans across the league will be watching to see where he lands next.
