The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback situation has long been stable, with Patrick Mahomes firmly established as the starter for years to come. Backup roles have also typically been straightforward choices, leaving little room for debate over the depth chart. This preseason, however, a notable contest has developed for the third-string quarterback position, drawing attention among Chiefs fans focused on the development of depth behind Mahomes and Gardner Minshew.
Competing for the Chiefs’ QB3 job are Chris Oladokun and Bailey Zappe, both looking to impress during the preseason to secure their roster spot and potentially contribute if called upon during the regular season.
Factors Favoring Chris Oladokun in the Quarterback Depth Battle
With Mahomes as the starter and Gardner Minshew locked in as the primary backup, the important competition this year is between Oladokun and Zappe for the third-string position. Expectations initially seemed to lean toward Zappe, but his recent preseason performance against the Arizona Cardinals raised concerns. Zappe completed 8 of 17 passes for 70 yards but was intercepted twice and sacked, indicating struggles under pressure and limited effectiveness.
In contrast, Oladokun, despite less playing time, demonstrated greater efficiency and mobility. He completed 6 of 13 passes for 39 yards and added 26 rushing yards, showcasing versatility on the field. A significant advantage for Oladokun is his familiarity with the Chiefs’ offensive system, having been part of the team since 2022.
Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged Oladokun’s preseason efforts, stating,
I thought he had a good game last week, so he’ll get some playing time this week.
—Andy Reid, Head Coach
This endorsement reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in Oladokun’s potential as a third-string quarterback and a reliable practice squad candidate. Although Zappe also spent time on the practice squad last season, his recent showing during preseason casts doubt on his readiness to serve as the third-string option for this offense.
The Role and Importance of the Third-String Quarterback on the Chiefs
While the battle for the third-string quarterback spot receives attention, it remains a relatively low-stakes issue for the Chiefs given the strength and durability of their starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who has rarely missed time since claiming the role in 2018. Gardner Minshew is the clear backup should Mahomes be unavailable, meaning significant playing time for either Oladokun or Zappe during the upcoming season would likely signal unforeseen problems.
Still, Oladokun’s preseason performance has positioned him as the presumptive QB3 heading into the season, suggesting the coaching staff values his skill set and readiness. For Chiefs fans, the hope remains that Oladokun’s role will be limited to support rather than in-game snaps.
Securing a dependable third-string quarterback provides the Chiefs with critical depth, helping protect a roster focused on sustaining its success. How this competition resolves highlights the ongoing importance of developing talent beyond the starting lineup to ensure the team’s resilience throughout the season.