The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders, have made a surprising move that has sent ripples through the NFL. The team’s front office has decided to release former New England Patriots starter Bailey Zappe, a quarterback once viewed as a promising talent, as they finalize their 53-man roster for the upcoming season. This decision comes as the Chiefs prioritize experience and reliability behind superstar Patrick Mahomes, leaving Zappe as the odd man out in a competitive quarterback room.
A Crowded Quarterback Depth Chart
The Chiefs entered the offseason with a clear goal: bolster the quarterback depth behind Mahomes, a former league MVP and one of the NFL’s premier talents. To achieve this, they signed veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew in March as a dependable insurance policy. They also added Zappe, who had started games for the Patriots, and retained practice squad mainstay Chris Oladokun. However, with only so many roster spots available, not all could make the final cut.
According to Nick Jacobs of KSHB in Kansas City, Zappe is projected to be waived as the Chiefs opt to keep just two quarterbacks on the active roster—Minshew as the primary backup and Mahomes as the starter—while keeping Oladokun on the practice squad. Jacobs noted that Zappe’s struggles with reading defenses and inconsistent ball placement have hindered his chances. “Zappe struggles to read defenses and place the ball where it needs to go,” Jacobs wrote, while praising Oladokun’s athleticism and ability to extend plays, despite occasional overconfidence in his arm strength.
Minshew Solidifies His Role
Gardner Minshew, a seasoned quarterback with 46 career starts, has cemented his position as Mahomes’ backup. His performance in the preseason, including a sharp 7-for-9 outing for 70 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks, showcased his efficiency and readiness. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid intentionally played Minshew with the team’s offensive starters to simulate real-game scenarios, preparing him for the possibility of stepping in for Mahomes.
“Man, anytime you get out there and get reps, it’s a good time,” Minshew told USA Today’s Chiefs Wire after the Seahawks game. “Glad to be working with some of the ones, just to get my communication right, to be able to go out there and operate.” Despite a frustrating stop on a fourth-and-one play in the red zone, Minshew’s overall performance—13-of-18 for 124 yards, one passing touchdown, and one rushing touchdown through two preseason games—has instilled confidence in the Chiefs’ coaching staff.
Minshew’s extensive experience, with a career stat line of 63.3% completion for 11,950 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions, makes him a reliable option. His ability to step into high-pressure situations aligns with the Chiefs’ philosophy of maintaining a seasoned backup, as seen last season with former Philadelphia Eagles starter Carson Wentz.
Zappe’s Disappointing Stint
Bailey Zappe, who started six games for the Patriots in 2023, arrived in Kansas City with hopes of proving his worth. With 15 NFL appearances and nine starts under his belt, Zappe has completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,223 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While he showed flashes of potential in New England, his time with the Chiefs has been less impressive. Analysts have pointed to his struggles with defensive reads and accuracy as reasons for his likely release.
The Chiefs’ decision to prioritize Oladokun, a practice squad veteran of three seasons, over Zappe underscores their confidence in Oladokun’s athletic upside and familiarity with the team’s system. While Oladokun has his own flaws, including a tendency to force throws into tight windows, his potential and long tenure with the organization have earned him the edge.
What’s Next for Zappe?
Zappe’s release is a significant moment in his career, as he now faces an uncertain future in the NFL. At just 26 years old, he still has time to develop and could latch on with another team in need of quarterback depth. However, his inconsistent performance and the Chiefs’ preference for more experienced or higher-upside options may make it challenging to secure a prominent role elsewhere.
For the Chiefs, the move signals their commitment to a streamlined roster built around Mahomes and Minshew, with Oladokun waiting in the wings. As the team prepares for another championship run, the front office’s decision to cut Zappe reflects their focus on reliability and depth at critical positions.
The NFL world will be watching to see where Zappe lands next—and whether he can rebound from this setback to reclaim a spot on an active roster.