Shannon Sharpe Claims Patrick Mahomes Is Not the Best Quarterback in the NFL

Patrick Mahomes finished the 2025 NFL season with 3587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 picks.

Shannon Sharpe Claims Patrick Mahomes Is Not the Best Quarterback in the NFL

Patrick Mahomes and Shannon Sharpe in circle (Image via IMAGO)

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Shannon Sharpe became the latest to question Patrick Mahomes‘ status as the best quarterback in the NFL. In a recent episode of the Nightcap Podcast, Sharpe claimed that Mahomes has been dethroned from the top.

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West since Mahomes took over as the signal caller after Alex Smith left. He led the Chiefs to seven straight division titles and won the conference five times, beating out stiff competition from the likes of Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert.

Mahomes’ dominance didn’t end there. He anchored three Super Bowl victories from five appearances, all the while bagging a couple of NFL MVP trophies. Still, the Chiefs’ showing in the 2025 season has left a blemish on his legacy.

The Chiefs are no longer competing for the playoffs after the Chargers knocked them out in mid-December. Sure, he ranks fifth in passing with 3587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 picks, but quarterbacks with a CV like his always stay relevant for January football.

He’s still Patrick Mahomes. He has an impressive resume. But based on the couple of years, he’s not the best quarterback. He has the most impressive resume.

Shannon Sharpe said on the Nightcap podcast

The Chiefs concluded the 2024 season with an outstanding 15-1 record, but the Philadelphia Eagles halted their bid for a three-peat with a victory in the Super Bowl. On paper, that journey may look impressive, but the Chiefs weren’t as dominant as many are led to believe. In fact, eleven of those fifteen were one-score victories. Moreover, Mahomes was bailed out of trouble several times by the Chiefs’ defense.

In 2025, that same defense averages 300+ yards and concedes freak touchdowns from punt or kick returns. Harrison Butker‘s form is also concerning. He’s showing signs of decline a year after signing a lucrative contract. His accuracy has fallen below 85 over the past two years, a sharp decline from his impressive 94.3% field goal rate in the 2023 season.

Quarterbacks are the most important position on a football team, but one man can’t carry the team forever. The Chiefs’ weaknesses showed when Mahomes’ performance slipped, and the defense failed to pick up the slack.

Co-host of the podcast and former NFL wide receiver, Chad Johnson, claimed that Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills now have a clear path to glory with Mahomes out of the picture.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Buffalo’s year… You don’t have to deal with Pat Mahomes. I am not sure what the Ravens are gonna do. I mean no disrespect to them and Joe [Burrow] and company, they out of the door.

Chad Johnson said

The discussion concluded with a sharp jab at the Bills’ head coach from the Hall of Fame tight end.

If Buffalo don’t get there based on what… Sean McDermott ain’t coming back. It ain’t gonna be easier.

Sharpe said

The Chiefs’ doctor provided an update on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery time from an ACL tear

KC was dealt a massive blow during Sunday’s game against the Chargers. In the fourth quarter, Mahomes suffered a season-ending LCL and ACL tear in his left knee. He underwent surgery the following day in Dallas and will return to KC later this week.

Shannon Sharpe Claims Patrick Mahomes Is Not the Best Quarterback in the NFL
Patrick Mahomes (Image via IMAGO)

Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine and performance, shared an estimated timeline for Mahomes’ return.

Every player is different, every sport is different, every position is different, and with [Mahomes] traditionally, he’s going after it so hard, and he’s so in tune with what he does, he does it a little quicker. Ballpark on this thing is nine months. It could be a month or two less or a month or two more.

Burkholder told reporters (HT/FOX News)

Burkholder revealed that Mahomes will complete most of his rehab under the supervision of Assistant Athletic Trainer Julie Frymyer.

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