Best Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks of All-Time starts with Patrick Mahomes, the franchise-changing superstar who has already rewritten Kansas City’s passing record book. Mahomes owns the Chiefs franchise records for passing yards and passing touchdowns, has multiple MVPs, multiple Super Bowl MVPs and three Super Bowl championships, making him the clear No. 1 quarterback in team history.
Len Dawson ranks second as the original championship quarterback. Trent Green, Alex Smith and Joe Montana round out the top five, while Bill Kenney, Steve DeBerg, Elvis Grbac, Mike Livingston and Steve Bono complete a top 10 that covers the Dallas Texans/AFL years, the Marty Schottenheimer era, the early-2000s passing boom and the Andy Reid foundation before Mahomes.
For the full team index, visit our Kansas City Chiefs all-time leaders and player rankings hub. This ranking is based on team-only impact with the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs franchise, not total NFL career value.
How We Ranked the Best Chiefs Quarterbacks of All-Time
This ranking looks at each quarterback’s Chiefs production, peak performance, playoff impact, longevity, era context and overall importance to Kansas City Chiefs history.
Only what the quarterback did with the Chiefs franchise counts here. That matters for players like Joe Montana, Steve DeBerg, Elvis Grbac, Matt Cassel, Steve Bono and Rich Gannon, who also had major NFL chapters with other teams.
Why This Chiefs Quarterback Ranking Is Different
This list is not just a passing yards table. Patrick Mahomes leads because of production, championships, postseason value and peak dominance. Len Dawson remains near the top because he delivered the franchise’s first Super Bowl title and helped define the AFL-era Chiefs.
Modern quarterbacks naturally benefit from passing-era numbers, so the ranking also considers context. Trent Green had the best pure passing stretch between Dawson and Mahomes, Alex Smith stabilized the Andy Reid era, Joe Montana gave Kansas City its most famous short-term quarterback run, and Bill Kenney, Steve DeBerg, Elvis Grbac, Mike Livingston and Steve Bono all had important Chiefs chapters.
Table of Contents
- How We Ranked the Best Chiefs Quarterbacks of All-Time
- Why This Chiefs Quarterback Ranking Is Different
- 1. Patrick Mahomes
- 2. Len Dawson
- 3. Trent Green
- 4. Alex Smith
- 5. Joe Montana
- 6. Bill Kenney
- 7. Steve DeBerg
- 8. Elvis Grbac
- 9. Mike Livingston
- 10. Steve Bono
- Chiefs Quarterbacks Just Outside the Top 10
- Full Ranking Table
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- More Chiefs and NFL Rankings
1. Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 2017–present with Kansas City, franchise-record 35,939 passing yards, franchise-record 267 passing touchdowns, multiple NFL MVP awards, multiple Super Bowl MVP awards and three Super Bowl championships.
Patrick Mahomes is already the best quarterback in Kansas City Chiefs history. His arm talent, creativity, movement skills, playoff success and championship production have completely changed the franchise’s place in NFL history.
Mahomes took Kansas City from a strong AFC contender into a modern dynasty. He has delivered regular-season records, postseason comebacks and Super Bowl moments that no other Chiefs quarterback can match.
Len Dawson built the original championship standard, but Mahomes has raised it. With the franchise passing yards record, passing touchdown record and multiple Super Bowl runs already on his résumé, the No. 1 spot is not complicated.
2. Len Dawson
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1962–1975 with the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs franchise, 28,507 passing yards, 237 passing touchdowns, AFL legend, Super Bowl IV champion, Super Bowl IV MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.
Len Dawson ranks second among the best Chiefs quarterbacks of all-time. Before Mahomes arrived, Dawson was the clear No. 1 quarterback in franchise history.
Dawson was the face of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs offense during the AFL years and led the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship. His accuracy, leadership and calm command gave Kansas City its first true quarterback icon.
Even after Mahomes passed his major records, Dawson remains one of the most important players the Chiefs have ever had. His era context matters, because he produced and won at a high level when passing was far tougher than it is today.
3. Trent Green
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 2001–2006 with Kansas City, 21,459 passing yards, 118 passing touchdowns and multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Trent Green ranks third in this Chiefs quarterback ranking. He did not win a championship in Kansas City, but his peak regular-season production was outstanding.
Green led one of the most explosive Chiefs offenses ever, working with Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez, Eddie Kennison and one of the best offensive lines of the era. His timing, toughness and comfort in Dick Vermeil’s offense helped Kansas City consistently move the ball.
The playoff résumé is the main thing holding him back from pushing even higher. Still, as a passer, Green has one of the strongest statistical cases among all Chiefs quarterbacks.
4. Alex Smith
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 2013–2017 with Kansas City, 17,608 passing yards, 102 passing touchdowns, multiple Pro Bowls and four playoff appearances as a Chiefs starter.
Alex Smith ranks fourth because he helped stabilize the franchise before the Mahomes era. When he arrived, Kansas City needed a quarterback who could protect the ball, lead efficiently and turn a talented roster into a consistent winner.
Smith did exactly that. He helped launch the Andy Reid era, gave the Chiefs reliable quarterback play and produced one of the best seasons of his career in 2017.
His postseason résumé in Kansas City had disappointments, but his importance to the franchise’s turnaround cannot be ignored. Smith helped make Kansas City a strong, stable team before Mahomes turned it into a dynasty.
5. Joe Montana
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1993–1994 with Kansas City, 5,427 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, Pro Bowl selection and AFC Championship Game appearance.
Joe Montana ranks fifth because his Chiefs chapter was short but meaningful. His overall NFL career belongs much higher in any all-time quarterback discussion, but this list counts only Kansas City production.
Montana gave the Chiefs instant credibility and led them to the AFC Championship Game after the 1993 season. His arrival changed expectations and gave Kansas City one of its most memorable quarterback moments before the Mahomes era.
He was not in Kansas City long enough to rank above Mahomes, Dawson, Green or Smith, but his short-term impact was huge. Montana’s Chiefs run still matters because it gave the franchise real playoff belief during the 1990s.
6. Bill Kenney
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1980–1988 with Kansas City, 17,277 passing yards, 105 passing touchdowns and one Pro Bowl selection.
Bill Kenney ranks sixth in Chiefs quarterback history. He played during a difficult era for the franchise but still produced strong passing numbers.
Kenney had one of the best statistical seasons by a Chiefs quarterback before the modern passing explosion, and he remains high on the team’s career passing leaderboards. His 17,277 passing yards and 105 touchdowns keep him firmly in the franchise record-book conversation.
The lack of major playoff success keeps him below the top five. Still, his individual production is too strong to ignore.
7. Steve DeBerg
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1988–1991 with Kansas City, 11,873 passing yards, 67 passing touchdowns and one of the best quarterback seasons of the early Marty Schottenheimer era.
Steve DeBerg ranks seventh after giving Kansas City a strong veteran quarterback stretch in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
His 1990 season was especially important, as he helped guide the Chiefs back into playoff relevance. DeBerg was tough, smart and efficient enough to lead a physical team built around defense and ball control.
He was not a long-term franchise legend, but his Kansas City peak deserves recognition. DeBerg helped bridge the franchise into a more competitive era.
8. Elvis Grbac
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1997–2000 with Kansas City, 10,643 passing yards, 66 passing touchdowns and one Pro Bowl selection.
Elvis Grbac ranks eighth among Chiefs quarterbacks. His time in Kansas City had both strong regular-season production and frustrating playoff results.
Grbac had the arm talent and statistical output to finish high on the franchise passing list. His 2000 season earned Pro Bowl recognition and showed his best version as a Chiefs starter.
The postseason shortcomings keep him from ranking higher, but his production still earns him a top-10 spot. Grbac’s Chiefs chapter was flawed, but it was productive.
9. Mike Livingston
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1968–1979 with Kansas City, 11,295 passing yards, 56 passing touchdowns and long-term service across the late Dawson and post-Dawson years.
Mike Livingston ranks ninth because of his longevity and connection to multiple Chiefs eras. He spent more than a decade with Kansas City and bridged the gap after Len Dawson.
Livingston was not a superstar passer, but he gave the team stability and started important games during a transitional period. His career totals reflect persistence, service and a long role with the franchise.
That longevity keeps him ahead of several shorter-term Chiefs starters. Livingston may not be flashy, but he belongs in the top 10.
10. Steve Bono
Kansas City Chiefs Stats & Accolades: 1994–1996 with Kansas City, 6,489 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, Pro Bowl selection and 1995 AFC West title.
Steve Bono rounds out the top 10. His overall Chiefs tenure was not long, but his 1995 season was one of the franchise’s better pre-Mahomes quarterback campaigns.
Bono helped lead Kansas City to a 13–3 record and an AFC West title. He was not a high-volume passer, but he fit the controlled, defense-first style of the Marty Schottenheimer Chiefs.
The playoff ending was disappointing, but the regular-season success gives Bono a real place in Chiefs quarterback history. His Chiefs chapter was short, but it was important enough to make this list.
Chiefs Quarterbacks Just Outside the Top 10
The next group is where the Chiefs quarterback debate gets more about preference. Matt Cassel has a real argument because he threw for 9,549 yards and helped Kansas City win the AFC West in 2010. Cotton Davidson matters for Dallas Texans history, while Steve Fuller, Damon Huard, Todd Blackledge, Dave Krieg and Rich Gannon all had notable franchise chapters.
None of those quarterbacks had enough Chiefs-only impact to crack this top 10, but they help fill out the full story. Kansas City’s quarterback history has not always been loaded with long-term stars, which is part of why the Mahomes and Dawson eras stand out so clearly.
Full Ranking Table: Best Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks of All-Time
Note: This ranking follows the order shown in the graphic and judges quarterbacks by team-only Chiefs impact, production, longevity, playoff success and era context.
| Rank | Quarterback | Chiefs Years | Passing Yards | Passing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | 2017–present | 35,939 | 267 |
| 2 | Len Dawson | 1962–1975 | 28,507 | 237 |
| 3 | Trent Green | 2001–2006 | 21,459 | 118 |
| 4 | Alex Smith | 2013–2017 | 17,608 | 102 |
| 5 | Joe Montana | 1993–1994 | 5,427 | 29 |
| 6 | Bill Kenney | 1980–1988 | 17,277 | 105 |
| 7 | Steve DeBerg | 1988–1991 | 11,873 | 67 |
| 8 | Elvis Grbac | 1997–2000 | 10,643 | 66 |
| 9 | Mike Livingston | 1968–1979 | 11,295 | 56 |
| 10 | Steve Bono | 1994–1996 | 6,489 | 37 |
FAQ: Best Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks of All-Time
Who is the best Kansas City Chiefs quarterback of all-time?
Patrick Mahomes is the best Kansas City Chiefs quarterback of all-time. He owns the franchise passing records, has multiple MVP awards, three Super Bowl championships and the strongest playoff résumé in team history.
Who was the best Chiefs quarterback before Patrick Mahomes?
Len Dawson was the best Chiefs quarterback before Patrick Mahomes. He led the franchise to its first Super Bowl championship and became a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.
Where does Joe Montana rank among Chiefs quarterbacks?
Joe Montana ranks fifth on this Chiefs-only list. His overall NFL career is much greater, but only his Kansas City years count here.
Why is Trent Green ranked above Alex Smith?
Trent Green ranks above Alex Smith because his passing production and peak offensive years in Kansas City were stronger. Smith had more playoff-era stability, but Green’s statistical case gives him the edge here.
Did Alex Smith help start the Patrick Mahomes era?
Yes. Alex Smith stabilized the Chiefs under Andy Reid and helped set the stage for Patrick Mahomes to take over a winning team.
Who has the most passing yards in Chiefs history?
Patrick Mahomes has the most passing yards in Chiefs history with 35,939 regular-season passing yards.
Who has the most passing touchdowns in Chiefs history?
Patrick Mahomes has the most passing touchdowns in Chiefs history with 267 regular-season passing touchdowns.
Conclusion: Patrick Mahomes Is the Clear No. 1 Chiefs Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes is the best Kansas City Chiefs quarterback of all-time. Len Dawson remains the franchise’s original championship icon, but Mahomes has taken the standard to another level with records, MVPs and multiple Super Bowl championships.
Behind those two, Trent Green, Alex Smith and Joe Montana each represent important Chiefs quarterback chapters. Green delivered big passing numbers, Smith stabilized the Andy Reid era and Montana gave Kansas City one of its most memorable short-term runs.
The rest of the top 10 shows the full Chiefs quarterback story, from Bill Kenney and Steve DeBerg to Elvis Grbac, Mike Livingston and Steve Bono. Kansas City’s quarterback history has some dry stretches, but Mahomes and Dawson give the franchise two championship-defining passers at the top.
More Chiefs and NFL Rankings
For the full franchise picture, visit our Kansas City Chiefs all-time leaders and player rankings hub and our best Kansas City Chiefs players of all-time ranking.
You can also read our related Chiefs pages for Kansas City Chiefs all-time passing yards leaders, Kansas City Chiefs all-time passing touchdown leaders, Kansas City Chiefs all-time rushing yards leaders, Kansas City Chiefs all-time receiving yards leaders and best Kansas City Chiefs running backs of all-time.
For broader NFL history, check out our best NFL quarterbacks of all-time ranking, the NFL team all-time player rankings hub and follow SOG Football on Instagram for more NFL rankings, debates and football history graphics.
