The Kansas City Chiefs are kicking off training camp in two weeks, with rookies and veterans set to report on July 21. While several position battles are still up in the air, the quarterback is obviously not one of them. In fact, the Chiefs arguably have the best QB rotation of the Patrick Mahomes era.
Earlier in the offseason, the Chiefs signed Gardner Minshew as their backup quarterback. The former Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders starter immediately became one of the more qualified QB2s in the league, with 46 starts under his belt. This was an obvious upgrade over the backups Mahomes has had over the last few years.
QB Bailey Zappe Facing an Uphill Battle to Make Chiefs Roster
This doesn't bode well for the rest of the signal-callers on the Chiefs roster. Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun, who are hoping to crack the 53-man roster, are unlikely to do so barring a miracle or an unfortunate injury ahead of the season.
The Chiefs typically bring two quarterbacks into their active roster, as they did so with Mahomes and Carson Wentz last season, and Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert the year prior. It's hard to imagine that changing with a better QB2 in Minshew, and a deeper, more talented roster in other positions.
This is an especially disappointing development for Zappe, who will likely be a final roster cut once again after suffering the same fate with the Patriots last offseason. He was signed to the Chiefs' practice squad before the 2024 campaign until he was signed to the active roster by the Cleveland Browns.
If the Chiefs were to cut him after training camp, there is no guarantee that they would be able to sign him to the practice squad. While he may not be in immediate danger of getting cut until after training camp, July is probably Zappe's last chance to make an impression on head coach Andy Reid and the coaching staff. Otherwise, he may have to find a new team for the 2025 season.