The Kansas City Chiefs continue to enjoy the luxury of employing the league's best quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. Still, viable backup options are important, and this is exactly why the front office brought in Gardner Minshew. The former Las Vegas Raider spent the bulk of last season as a starter for a division rival. It is a typical Kansas City move to steal a key piece and gain additional depth. There is a reason the Chiefs have remained the class of the division.
Still, there is one remaining concern with the emergency quarterback position remaining an obvious question mark. Bailey Zappe was the assumed answer before the veteran's preseason struggles. It has opened the door for Chris Oladokun to become a surprise answer; however, the quarterback hasn't taken advantage of Zappe's struggles.
If Andy Reid and Kansas City are objectively looking at the preseason performance, there is no denying Zappe hasn't lived up to expectations. Limited production and turnovers have defined the veteran's early tenure and exposed why the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns were so ready to turn the page. The backup is an extremely limited option that isn't being elevated even in Andy Reid's system.
The Chiefs Should Part Ways with Struggling Quarterback Bailey Zappe
All of this adds up to the Chiefs needing to turn the page and either move forward with Oladokun or attempt to find an upgrade. With one final preseason game remaining, there is still time for this to change. However, if the season started today, it isn't a hot take to believe Zappe should be cut from the emergency quarterback role.
There are a handful of veterans with far more upside who are expected to be cut ahead of final roster selections at the end of the month. Kansas City would be wise to explore these cuts for potential upgrades. It isn't going to be that difficult to find an option with more upside than the extremely limited Zappe.
While the veteran does have starting experience with the Patriots, reviewing the tape is further reason the Chiefs should move on. The emergency quarterback role is best used for either a veteran, a project quarterback, or a player who could be used as a short-yardage weapon. Zappe doesn't fit any of these descriptions, leaving clear reason to turn the page.
Regardless, the Chiefs remain in great positioning with Mahomes rarely missing time and Minshew capable of taking limited snaps. Upgrading the position is a luxury, but one the Chiefs will be able to easily afford with how poorly Zappe has played.