The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial Super Bowl contenders led by former league MVP Patrick Mahomes, are no strangers to making tough roster decisions. With Mahomes firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, the focus this offseason has shifted to the backup quarterback position, where a surprising and ruthless cut has sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Chiefs have reportedly decided to part ways with Bailey Zappe, a quarterback who has thrown for over 2,200 yards in his young career, leaving him in a precarious fight for a practice squad spot. Here’s the bitter truth behind this stunning move and what it means for the Chiefs as they gear up for another championship run.
A Crowded Quarterback Room
With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs’ starting quarterback position is as secure as it gets in the NFL. Mahomes, a two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion, has proven durable and reliable, rarely missing games outside of meaningless contests at the end of the regular season. However, the battle for the backup role behind him has been a point of intrigue during training camp, with two veterans—Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe—competing alongside Chris Oladokun for roster spots.
The Chiefs made a calculated move in the offseason by signing Minshew, a journeyman quarterback with significant starting experience, to a two-year contract. Minshew, who started 10 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, completed 66.3% of his passes for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His experience and steady presence made him a strong candidate to secure the No. 2 role behind Mahomes. Meanwhile, Zappe, who showed flashes of potential during his two seasons with the New England Patriots and a brief stint with the Cleveland Browns, was brought in to compete for the backup job. Zappe’s career stats include a 62.1% completion rate, 2,223 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions across eight starts.
Despite Zappe’s potential, analysts, including Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star, predicted that Minshew would win the backup job, leaving Zappe and Oladokun to battle for a potential practice squad spot. Newell wrote, “Barring injuries, the Chiefs should keep two quarterbacks as they have in past seasons, with both Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun as practice-squad candidates.” The decision to favor Minshew was not entirely surprising, given his experience and fit within Andy Reid’s offensive system. However, the choice to potentially cut Zappe entirely from the 53-man roster has raised eyebrows, especially considering his proven ability as a starter in the NFL.
The Bitter Truth: Why Zappe Was Cut
The Chiefs’ decision to cut Zappe is a harsh reminder of the NFL’s cutthroat nature, where talent alone isn’t always enough to secure a roster spot. Several factors likely contributed to this move:
Minshew’s Fit with the Chiefs’ System: Gardner Minshew’s signing was a strategic move by the Chiefs to add a reliable, experienced backup who could step in seamlessly if Mahomes were to miss time. Minshew’s pre-draft visit with the Chiefs in 2019 gave him early exposure to Andy Reid’s system, and his recent discussions with the head coach solidified his role. Minshew himself expressed excitement about joining Kansas City, noting, “I knew in my head that this was where I wanted to be.” His familiarity with Reid’s offensive philosophy and his ability to manage games as a backup likely gave him the edge over Zappe.
Roster Constraints: The Chiefs, like all NFL teams, face tough decisions when trimming their roster to 53 players. With only two quarterbacks typically kept on the active roster, Zappe found himself on the wrong side of the numbers game. While he has shown starter-level potential, the Chiefs prioritized Minshew’s experience and reliability, leaving Zappe and Oladokun to compete for a practice squad spot. The team’s confidence in Mahomes’ durability further reduces the need for a deep quarterback room, making Zappe expendable.
Zappe’s Inconsistent Performance: While Zappe has shown flashes of brilliance, his career has been marked by inconsistency. His 62.1% completion rate and 12-to-14 touchdown-to-interception ratio suggest he has room to grow as a passer. In contrast, Minshew’s slightly better completion percentage and ability to limit mistakes in high-pressure situations may have swayed the Chiefs’ coaching staff. Zappe’s potential to compete for a No. 2 role elsewhere in the NFL made him a valuable asset, but not valuable enough to keep over Minshew in Kansas City’s plans.
Practice Squad Uncertainty: The decision to cut Zappe doesn’t guarantee him a spot on the Chiefs’ practice squad, as he will need to clear waivers first. Given his experience as a starter, another team could claim him, leaving the Chiefs to rely on Oladokun or another quarterback for their practice squad. This risk underscores the brutal reality of Zappe’s situation—he may not only lose his spot on the active roster but also his chance to stay with the Chiefs in any capacity.
Minshew’s Excitement and the Road Ahead
Gardner Minshew has embraced his role as Mahomes’ backup with enthusiasm, citing his long-standing admiration for Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ organization. “To get on the phone with Coach Reid and get to hear what they’re talking about and also to hear how he sees me fitting and how he values my personality and what I bring to the table, that just fires me up so much,” Minshew told ESPN. His excitement is understandable—backing up Mahomes means joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations and learning from one of the NFL’s most innovative coaches.
For the Chiefs, the hope is that Minshew never sees the field in meaningful games. Mahomes has been remarkably durable, missing significant time only in rare instances. The team’s focus remains on their star quarterback leading them to a historic fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance. However, Minshew’s presence provides insurance and stability, ensuring the Chiefs are prepared for any scenario.
What’s Next for Bailey Zappe?
For Bailey Zappe, the cut is a bitter pill to swallow. At just 26 years old, he has shown enough promise to warrant another opportunity in the NFL, whether as a backup or a competitor for a starting role on a quarterback-needy team. His 2,223 passing yards and starting experience make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their depth. However, the uncertainty of clearing waivers and the possibility of landing on a practice squad—potentially even outside Kansas City—looms large.
Zappe’s journey is a stark reminder of the fine margins in the NFL. Despite his talent and potential, roster decisions often come down to fit, experience, and team needs. As the Chiefs move forward with Mahomes and Minshew, Zappe will need to regroup and find a new opportunity to prove himself.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to cut Bailey Zappe is a ruthless but calculated move as they finalize their roster for the 2025 season. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge and Gardner Minshew securing the backup role, Zappe’s 2,200-yard career was not enough to earn him a spot on the active roster. The bitter truth behind this decision lies in the NFL’s unrelenting demand for the right fit at the right time. As the Chiefs chase another Super Bowl, Zappe’s future hangs in the balance, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of professional football.