I'm sure they could. Although it seems they would much rather move away from the Linux kernel altogether. Who knows what sort of ABI stability timescales they are aiming for in the replacement kernel.

The pertinent question is how Google think they're going to convince Qualcomm to write drivers for their new OS, and not just have exactly the same problem they have now. Qualcomm probably quite like the current arrangement where they get to deprecate everyone else's gear on their own schedule.

With wall street's love for next-quarter accounting, I'm sure Qualcomm will consider the offer, even if it's a one-time bump.

Qualcomm is dominating the SoC industry, in part due to how it uses its IP. Fortuitously, Qualcomm are being sued by the DoJ and Apple for anti-competitive practices in multiple jurisdictions and this might blow the SoC field wide open, depending on the rulings. If other chip makers can license Qualcomm's patents on a FRAND basis, Google could offer the deal to MediaTek if Qualcomm declines.