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4 Former Chiefs Still Unemployed Entering Training Camp

Life has been has been hard for these four former Kansas City Chiefs who are still unemployed despite training camp 2024 beginning in less than a week.

By Devon Platana

Veteran OT Donovan Smith is one of four former Chiefs in the unemployment line.
Veteran OT Donovan Smith is one of four former Chiefs in the unemployment line. / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Blaine Gabbert, QB

Much like Smith, Blaine Gabbert joined the Chiefs on a one-year deal last offseason. The former Missouri quarterback was given the most stress-free job in the league — backing up Mahomes — after long-time QB2 Chad Henne announced his NFL retirement following the Super Bowl LVII victory.

As expected, Gabbert hardly broke a sweat during the 2023 season. The 34-year-old signal-caller only made two appearances — once in a Week 3 blowout vs. the Bears and a Week 18 start vs. Los Angeles Chargers — resulting in 18 completions on 35 attempts for 185 passing yards and three interceptions without a touchdown.

Even if he wasn't brought in to light the world on fire, those aren't the type of numbers that you want from your backup quarterback. Could you imagine if Mahomes got injured and Kansas City's season was put in Gabbert's hands?

The Chiefs clearly weren't impressed with Gabbert's performance. They promptly added former 2021 fourth-rounder Ian Book on a future contract back in January before signing former NFL MVP candidate Carson Wentz to a one-year deal once free agency began.

With most backup QB positions filled at this point, Gabbert's outlook isn't that promising. While a team possibly wouldn't mind having his experience on the practice squad, his poor performance last season may result in his remaining jobless.

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