Chiefs QB depth remains a storyline as Mahomes leads, with Minshew and Zappe in a tight competition for the No. 2 spot
Patrick Mahomes still sits atop Kansas City’s quarterback depth chart as the team heads into late preseason play, with the No. 2 job a wide-open race between Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe. The Chiefs’ decision will shape not just the backup plan behind the league’s premier signal-caller, but the overall feel of the quarterback room for 2025.
Mahomes is the centerpiece of a run that’s been described as the football version of a VIP club. The seven-year starter is framed as the NFL’s best player, a two-time MVP who many hope will soon have a conclusive case for GOAT status. The profile isn’t just hype: in the eyes of many, his numbers are historic. He’s commonly cited for averages like 4,911 passing yards and 37 touchdowns per season, along with six Pro Bowls, two All-Pro selections, and three Super Bowl rings. At nearly 30, he’s already talked about in terms of Hall of Fame potential—and the Chiefs are counting on him to stay at the top.
Behind him, the No. 2 job remains unsettled. Gardner Minshew and Bailey Zappe are locked in a competition that’s drawn relatively little national fanfare but carries real implications for the Chiefs’ depth and future. For Minshew, this isn’t just a quarterback battle; it’s a chance to prove he still belongs as a high-level NFL quarterback after a circuitous path through three teams in three years.
Minshew burst onto the league as a sixth-round pick in 2019 with the Jaguars, delivering 3,271 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a 6-6 record across 12 starts as a rookie. He’s since logged stops with Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Las Vegas, earning the “gunslinger” label—fun in short bursts but sometimes prone to mistakes. His career numbers—about a 63.3 percent completion rate and roughly a 2-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio—have kept him in the conversation, but they haven’t guaranteed a long-term No. 2 role anywhere, including KC.
Bailey Zappe, a 2019 New England fourth-rounder, also has his fingerprints on the race. He opened the preseason with a stumble, going 8-of-17 with two interceptions, while Minshew showed a sharper touch and even ran in a rushing score against Arizona. The tone of the competition could change quickly over the next two preseason games, and there’s a possibility that Chris Oladokun could move up to be the third QB if the other two stumble.
For Minshew, the path is clear: stay aggressive, win the backup job, and keep pushing to show he can be a valuable NFL option beyond depth. For Zappe, it’s about regrouping, showing improvement, and proving the preseason misstep doesn’t define him in KC. The Chiefs will be watching closely as two more tune-ups near, because a strong backup behind Mahomes matters as much as ever in a league built around star quarterbacks.
What this means for Chiefs fans: Mahomes remains the cornerstone, but the team’s flexibility behind him could influence how the season unfolds. A reliable veteran presence or a young, developing passer could provide the separation KC needs if injuries or in-game adjustments come into play.
Summary: Kansas City’s quarterback depth chart centers on Mahomes’ unprecedented level of dominance, with Minshew and Zappe competing for the indispensable No. 2 spot. The outcome will hinge on continued preseason performance, with Oladokun looming as a potential wild card. Expect a decision that balances experience, upside, and the urgent need for a dependable backup behind the MVP-caliber starter.
Optional added note: If you want, I can tailor a short wrap-up for social media or add a quick “What to watch” section highlighting specific drills, teammates to watch, or scenarios that could tilt the competition in the next two preseason games.