Chiefs Add New Backup for Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs have added a new quarterback to the depth chart behind Patrick Mahomes.

The Chiefs signed former New England Patriots starter Bailey Zappe to the practice squad on Wednesday. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz first reported the news.

Zappe was the Patriots' fourth-round pick in 2022 and made a name for himself in New England. He has compiled a 4-4 record as a starter over two seasons, appearing in 14 games overall. The 25-year-old quarterback has thrown for 2,053 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

The Patriots cut Zappe on Tuesday while trimming their roster to 53 players. The New England Patriots are poised to rely on veteran Jacoby Brissett, alongside rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton, as their quarterback options this season.

While still gaining experience, Zappe has shown flashes of potential as he continues to develop. Now, he'll learn from some of the best in Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.

Zappe doesn't have a great chance to crack the top two in Kansas City. The Chiefs added former No. 2 overall pick Carton Wentz this offseason as their primary backup to Mahomes.

The Chiefs like what they have in Wentz, who has bounced around recently but has nearly 100 stars on his resume.

"Carson looks sharp. He's picking things up fast, smart guy, and he fits in well," Reid said. "Seems like a heck of a person, and he's good in that [quarterback] room."

The Chiefs open the season on September 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.