It only took one preseason game for Chiefs QB to sink his own chances

The idea of a quarterback competition sounds rather hiliarous when referencing the Kansas City Chiefs, but there was at least the possibility of some jostling at the position—at least at the bottom of the depth chart. However, it feels rather safe to say after just one preseason game that Bailey Zappe isn't going to push anyone for a job in 2025.

While several players had middling performances, frustrating moments, and mental miscues, Zappe's abysmal showing for the Chiefs in a losing effort to the Arizona Cardinals undoubtedly stands out as the worst showing of the preseason opener.

Zappe led the Chiefs in passing yards with 70, so he can at least claim that much. However, he also threw two interceptions, completed only 8 of 17 passes, and even took the only sack of the night for the Chiefs.

Bailey Zappe played himself right out of any job for the Chiefs in 2025 on Saturday night.

The Chiefs were very generous with their playing time for Zappe, giving him command on five offensive drives between the second and third quarters. Two of those drives ended with a turnover—with interceptions made by corner Darren Hall and seventh-round safety Kitan Crawford. Two others ended with a punt, including an 3-and-out drive to start the second half.

On the one scoring drive led by Zappe, the Chiefs offense went a total of 11 yards before Harrison Butker salvaged three points by booting a 58-yard field goal. On that drive, Zappe lost 7 yards on a sack that counted, while another 7-yard sack to start the drive was nullified by the penalty.

Zappe was QB3 for the Chiefs coming into the game, which put him on the outside looking in on the active roster. The Chiefs only keep two active quarterbacks on the roster at any time, but they do, however, keep a third quarterback available on the practice squad. It's hard to imagine the Chiefs even wanting Zappe around in that role.

The reason that Zappe might not even make the practice squad is due to the presence of Chris Oladokun, a player who has been around the block before in this role with the Chiefs. Oladokun cleaned up in the fourth quarter, and his scrambling ability not only made him dangerous against the Cardinals in preseason play, but it's especially helpful in terms of running the scout team.

The Chiefs need four quarterbacks to carry them through the preseason gauntlet without having to put Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew out there for longer than necessary. Keeping both players healthy for the regular season is the most important order of business at the position. For that reason, Zappe is likely to stay with K.C. through the duration of the preseason.

That said, it's very difficult to imagine this relationship continuing into September. Zappe is likely to catch on elsewhere, considering how the league likes to recycle backup quarterbacks for years on end. But his tenure in Kansas City was likely over after watching the five-drive misery unveiled on Saturday.