The Kansas City Chiefs, led by the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, have long been the gold standard in the AFC West, with their quarterback depth chart being the envy of the league. With Mahomes as the cornerstone and the recent addition of seasoned veteran Gardner Minshew, the Chiefs have fortified their quarterback room with a reliable backup who proved his worth as a starter for a division rival last season. This strategic move by the front office exemplifies Kansas City’s knack for stealing key pieces to maintain their dominance. However, as the preseason draws to a close, a glaring issue remains unresolved: the emergency quarterback position, where Bailey Zappe’s lackluster performance has raised serious concerns.
Bailey Zappe entered the preseason as the presumed answer for the Chiefs’ third-string quarterback role. Yet, his performances have been nothing short of underwhelming. Marked by limited production and costly turnovers, Zappe has failed to seize the opportunity to solidify his place on the roster. His struggles have been so pronounced that they’ve overshadowed any potential he might have shown during his time with the New England Patriots or Cleveland Browns—two teams that quickly moved on from him for good reason.
Head coach Andy Reid, known for his ability to elevate quarterbacks within his system, has been unable to coax consistent play from Zappe. The veteran’s lack of progress, even in Reid’s quarterback-friendly scheme, has exposed his limitations. Turnovers, poor decision-making, and an inability to move the offense have defined Zappe’s preseason, leaving the Chiefs’ coaching staff with little reason to maintain confidence in him as the emergency quarterback.
With Zappe faltering, the door was wide open for Chris Oladokun to stake a claim for the third-string role. Unfortunately, Oladokun has been unable to capitalize on the opportunity. While he remains a developmental prospect with some upside, his preseason showings have not been compelling enough to definitively overtake Zappe. This leaves Kansas City in a precarious position, with neither quarterback inspiring confidence as a reliable emergency option.
As the Chiefs approach the final preseason game, the evidence is clear: Bailey Zappe is not the answer for the emergency quarterback role. His performances have been a far cry from what is expected, even for a third-stringer. The role of an emergency quarterback typically falls to one of three archetypes: a seasoned veteran capable of stepping in seamlessly, a high-upside project player with long-term potential, or a versatile athlete who can contribute in specific situations, such as short-yardage plays. Zappe fits none of these molds. His starting experience with the Patriots, while notable, does not outweigh the glaring deficiencies seen on tape—poor pocket presence, questionable decision-making, and an inability to stretch the field.
With final roster cuts looming at the end of August, the Chiefs have an opportunity to explore the waiver wire for a better option. Several veteran quarterbacks with more upside are likely to become available as teams trim their rosters. Kansas City, with its track record of savvy roster moves, would be wise to pursue an upgrade. Finding a player with greater potential than Zappe should not be a difficult task, given his underwhelming play.
Fortunately, the Chiefs are in an enviable position. Patrick Mahomes, the league’s premier quarterback, rarely misses time, and Gardner Minshew provides a dependable backup capable of handling limited snaps if needed. The emergency quarterback role, while important, is a luxury problem for a team with such a strong foundation. However, Kansas City’s pursuit of perfection under Andy Reid means that even a minor roster weakness, like the third-string quarterback position, warrants attention.
With one preseason game remaining, Zappe has a final opportunity to prove his worth. However, based on his performances thus far, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario where he redeems himself enough to secure the role. The Chiefs’ coaching staff, led by Reid, must now make a tough but necessary decision. Clinging to Zappe out of familiarity or hope is no longer justifiable. Whether the team moves forward with Oladokun as a developmental option or seeks a veteran upgrade, the time for excuses is over.
The Kansas City Chiefs have built a dynasty on the back of meticulous roster construction and coaching brilliance. Allowing Bailey Zappe’s underwhelming play to persist in the emergency quarterback role would be a rare misstep for a franchise that rarely makes them. With the preseason winding down, Andy Reid and the front office must face the reality of Zappe’s unforgivable mistakes and take decisive action. Whether it’s giving Oladokun a chance to grow or scouring the waiver wire for a better fit, the Chiefs must ensure their quarterback depth chart remains a strength—no excuses allowed.