The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of experience on the quarterback depth chart behind Patrick Mahomes, but one former NFL starter could find himself below the cut line at the end of the summer.
The team signed journeyman Gardner Minshew in March as an insurance policy behind the former league MVP and also added former New England Patriots starter Bailey Zappe.
With practice squad stalwart Chris Oladokun also in the mix, one analyst believes that Zappe will end up as the odd man out.
End of the Line for Bailey Zappe
Reporter Nick Jacobs of KSHB in Kansas City gave an early projection of the team’s final 53-man roster, predicting that Minshew will hold onto the No. 2 job and Zappe will be waived.
“The Chiefs will need the numbers for either wide receiver or tight end, so they keep two on the active roster, with Oladokun on the practice squad,” Jacobs wrote.
“Zappe struggles to read defenses and place the ball where it needs to go, while Oladokun has the athletic ability to buy himself time and make plays.
However, Oladokun believes a little too much in his arm. That can lead to some interceptions in windows he doesn’t have the velocity for.”
Despite the deficiencies, the Chiefs have shown faith in Oladokun by keeping him on their practice squad for parts of the last three seasons.
Gardner Minshew Seized Backup Job
There may not be much drama at final cuts for the Chiefs, with Minshew solidifying his spot as the backup to Mahomes.
He had a short but efficient day in the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week, going 7-for-9 for 70 yards with one touchdown.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid played many of the team’s offensive starters at the beginning of the game to replicate what Minshew would face if he had to relieve an injured Mahomes.
“Man, anytime you get out there and get reps, it’s a good time.
Glad to be working with some of the ones, just get my communication right, to be able to go out there and operate,” Minshew said of the game, via USA Today’s Chiefs Wire.
“Yeah, it was great, man. You want to score every time you get out there.
Frustrated to get stopped there (on) fourth and one in the red zone. Great to get out there and get some points on the board.”
Through the team’s first two games, Minshew has gone 13-of-18 for 124 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing score.
He has plenty of experience as a starter as well, starting 46 games over the course of his six NFL seasons.
He has completed 63.3% of his passes for 11,950 total yards with 68 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.
Zappe has some experience as well, starting six games for the Patriots in 2023.
He has a total of 15 NFL appearances and nine starts, completing 62.1% of his passes for 2,223 yards with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
The Chiefs have valued experience behind Mahomes, calling on former Philadelphia Eagles starter Carson Wentz to back him up last year.
News
Life off the field is taking center stage for Dak Prescott as he and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos navigate a complicated custody situation following their high-profile breakup. After what many described as a messy split, both sides are now reportedly focused on finding a stable path forward — putting co-parenting and long-term priorities ahead of past tensions. For Prescott, the situation adds a deeply personal layer to an already demanding career with the Dallas Cowboys, where pressure never really lets up. Sources suggest efforts are being made to keep matters as private and constructive as possible, even as public interest continues to grow. Fans have been watching closely, with reactions ranging from support to curiosity about how things will unfold. But one key approach both sides are taking is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could define how this situation evolves moving forward.
Dak Prescott and ex-fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos are taking steps to amicably come to terms on a temporary custody arrangement…
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld Announce Birth of First Child — The Buffalo Bills Star and Hollywood Actress Share Joyful News, Marking a New Chapter as They Welcome Their Baby Into the World.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen and his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld, are officially a family of three. The couple announced Thursday…
A powerful full-circle moment is unfolding for an NFL player whose actions off the field once made headlines for all the right reasons. After bravely pulling a man from a burning car and saving his life, the National Football League star is now being handed a career lifeline of his own — a second chance that’s capturing attention across the football world. At the time, his heroic act drew widespread praise, showing a side of athletes fans don’t always get to see. Now, as he looks to revive his career, that moment is being remembered as more than just a headline — but a reflection of character. Teams are always weighing talent against intangibles, and stories like this can carry real weight. As news spreads, support is pouring in from fans and insiders alike. But one key detail about this opportunity is what’s standing out most. And it could determine whether this comeback truly takes hold.
KJ OSBORN has reportedly agreed a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The wide receiver, 28, has not played in…
All eyes were on Fernando Mendoza — and he delivered. With representatives from the Las Vegas Raiders in attendance, Mendoza used Indiana Pro Day to make a powerful statement, strengthening his case to be the No. 1 overall pick. From sharp throws to confident command, everything about his performance suggested a quarterback ready for the next level. For teams searching for a franchise leader, moments like this carry serious weight — especially when decision-makers are watching up close. The Raiders’ presence only added intrigue, fueling speculation about their intentions at the top of the draft. As buzz builds, Mendoza is quickly shifting from prospect to centerpiece of the conversation. But standout performances come with rising expectations. And one specific element of his Pro Day is what scouts are talking about most. It might be the factor that ultimately separates him from the rest of the class.
BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Raiders have been careful not to prematurely anoint Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the first pick overall in next month’s…
Jason Kelce isn’t holding back — and this time, his comments are aimed straight at the Detroit Lions. The former star sparked buzz after roasting the franchise for what he sees as a repeat of a controversial retirement situation that previously left fans furious with ownership. By bringing it back into the spotlight, Kelce has reignited debate around how the organization handles major player decisions. For Lions supporters, it’s a sensitive topic — one tied to past frustrations and lingering questions about leadership choices. Kelce’s remarks have quickly made the rounds online, with fans both agreeing and pushing back on his take. As the conversation grows, attention is shifting back to the decision itself and whether lessons were truly learned. But one specific comparison Kelce made is what’s drawing the most attention. And it might explain why this issue still resonates so strongly today.
The Detroit Lions have threatened to damage their relationship with former center Frank Ragnow after asking him to return a…
A troubling incident has put former Dallas Cowboys player Trysten Hill back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Hill was arrested following allegations of assault involving a pregnant woman, with details from the incident quickly sparking outrage online. Images reportedly showing him smiling after the arrest have only intensified reactions, adding another layer of controversy to an already serious situation. As the case unfolds, questions are being raised about accountability and the broader issue of off-field conduct among professional athletes. Legal proceedings are expected to determine what actually happened, but the public response has been swift and emotional. For many, the focus remains on the severity of the allegations and the impact beyond football. But one specific detail in the arrest report is what’s drawing the most attention. And it could play a key role in how this case develops.
Former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill was arrested in Texas for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman. Hill, 28, was…
End of content
No more pages to load
