Kansas City’s decision to bring in Bailey Zappe marks its second quarterback acquisition this week, following the signing of Gardner Minshew to a one-year contract. This move suggests that Carson Wentz, who served as Patrick Mahomes’ backup in 2024, will likely be seeking a new opportunity for the 2025 season.

Zappe’s arrival is somewhat of a homecoming, as he initially spent part of last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad. However, he never played a game for Kansas City before the Cleveland Browns picked him up in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury.

With the Browns, Zappe became the third-string quarterback behind Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson. His only game appearance came in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens, a tough loss that helped Cleveland lock in the No. 2 overall pick for the upcoming NFL Draft.

In Kansas City, Zappe is expected to fill a similar depth role behind Mahomes and Minshew. Despite once being Bill Belichick’s final starting quarterback, his days as a primary starter appear to be over. However, joining the Chiefs gives him a chance to compete for a Super Bowl ring and potentially improve his standing as a reliable backup for the future.