Another situation to watch in Kansas City is Travis Kelce’s potential retirement, which is why the Chiefs already secured a tight end for 2026. But while the team made a move in that position, it has yet to take action at quarterback.

The Chiefs recently missed out on the possibility of bringing back a familiar face in Bailey Zappe, who was signed to a reserve/future contract by the New York Jets on Monday.

Zappe, drafted by the New England Patriots as a fourth-round pick in 2022, spent time with the Chiefs’ practice squad in 2024 and 2025, leaving the scout team for the Cleveland Browns both years.

Since Mahomes’ recovery could take up to nine months, the Chiefs might need healthy quarterbacks to work with in training camp and preseason. Bringing Zappe back would have made sense, but he’ll be working for another AFC team instead.

Chiefs will need to add at QB in 2026

The Chiefs list of free agents in 2026 includes seasoned quarterback Gardner Minshew, leaving Chris Oladokun as the only healthy player in the QB room under contract heading into the new league year.

Shane Buechele could’ve provided more depth as well, but the Chiefs parted ways with the quarterback shortly after the regular season finale. That allowed him to reunite with his former team, as the Bills signed Buechele before the 2026 NFL playoffs.

Though Mahomes might recover on time for Week 1, the Chiefs are expected to add at least one quarterback in the offseason, with free agency in March and the 2026 NFL Draft in April as key dates to keep an eye on.

A quarterback’s arm can redefine a season in college football. Some years are remembered not for trophies, but for aerial assaults that bent defenses and filled stat sheets, turning Saturdays into weekly showcases of precision and nerve.

Across different eras, a select group of NCAAF quarterbacks pushed passing yardage to historic limits. Their seasons unfolded as long campaigns of risk and rhythm, where playbooks expanded and records quietly began to crack.

These record-breaking performances reflected changing offenses, evolving rules and moments when talent, timing and opportunity aligned—leaving numbers that still frame how greatness at the position is measured.

Bailey Zappe | YDS: 5,967 – Season: 2021

Bailey Zappe’s 2021 campaign at Western Kentucky was a statistical spectacle. In an offense that barely blinked at the line of scrimmage, he threw for a staggering 5,967 yards, eclipsing a record that had stood since 2003 and setting a new benchmark for single-season passing production in FBS history.

His year wasn’t just about volume — precise timing with receivers and consistent rhythm under pressure helped him redefine what a dynamic collegiate aerial attack could look like. His performance culminated in a memorable Boca Raton Bowl, where he cemented both yardage and touchdown records before departing college football lore.

B.J. Symons | YDS: 5,833 – Season: 2003

Long before Zappe’s name adorned the record book, B. J. Symons carried Texas Tech’s Air Raid offense to historic heights. In 2003, he harnessed an aggressive passing philosophy to throw for 5,833 yards, breaking the NCAA single-season yardage record and standing atop the leaderboard for nearly two decades.

His senior season became a defining chapter of early 2000s college football, showcasing how systematic vertical passing could rip through defenses and leave an enduring imprint on offensive strategy.

Graham Harrell | YDS: 5,705 – Season: 2007

In the heart of Texas Tech’s explosive Air Raid era, Graham Harrell delivered one of the most prolific seasons of his career in 2007. With 5,705 yards through the air, Harrell blended accuracy and unrelenting tempo, threading passes into windows defenders rarely covered.

His campaign didn’t just pile up numbers — it embodied the offensive identity of a team that embraced passing as both art and science, forcing opponents to play catch-up while he orchestrated drive after drive with a cool, calculating approach.

Joe Burrow | YDS: 5,671 – Season: 2019

Joe Burrow’s 2019 season at LSU stands as one of college football’s great individual offensives. Throwing for 5,671 yards, he paced an LSU juggernaut that married big-play capability with strategic execution, dominating SEC defenses week after week.

What elevated his numbers beyond mere stat lines was the context: this was a Heisman Trophy-winning performance that powered an undefeated run to a national championship. His poise and instinctive command drove LSU’s aerial assault in a way that reshaped expectations for elite quarterback play.

Case Keenum | YDS: 5,671 – Season: 2009

Case Keenum’s 2009 season at Houston was a masterclass in consistency and resilience. Matching Joe Burrow’s yardage figure with 5,671 passing yards, he showcased an ability to sustain pace and precision across a long season, threading balls into tight coverage and leading his offense with a rare blend of calm and fire.

His performance didn’t just reflect personal excellence — it exemplified how a quarterback can galvanize an attack around him, turning yardage totals into a narrative of sustained excellence throughout the campaign.

Case Keenum | YDS: 5,631 – Season: 2011

By 2011, Case Keenum had already carved his name deep into Houston’s record books, and his senior campaign became another defining chapter. Throwing for 5,631 yards, he led a dizzying aerial attack that kept defenses on their heels all season.

His mastery extended beyond volume — his command of Houston’s offense produced efficiency and consistency, propelling the Cougars to one of their strongest seasons in program history.

His year featured multiple games with massive yardage totals, as he continued to build on a career that would make him the NCAA’s all-time passing leader by the season’s end.

Anthony Gordon | YDS: 5,579 – Season: 2019

In the Pac-12 frenzy of 2019, Washington State’s Anthony Gordon emerged as one of college football’s purest passers. Operating under Mike Leach’s pass-first system, he consistently delivered big plays and sustained drives, finishing the year with 5,579 yards through the air.

His rhythm from snap to release made Wazzu one of the most unpredictable offenses in the nation, with him routinely threading balls into tight windows downfield. That season stands as one of the most prolific aerial campaigns in school history and emblematic of Leach’s offensive philosophy.

Colt Brennan | YDS: 5,549 – Season: 2006

Colt Brennan’s 2006 season at Hawaii was the centerpiece of one of the most entertaining offenses in college football. With a quick, decisive throwing motion and receivers running sharp, aggressive routes, he amassed 5,549 passing yards, becoming a household name in the WAC and beyond.

That year was defined by rapid scoring, high tempo, and a willingness to take shots deep downfield, making Hawaii’s aerial assault must-see TV. His chemistry with his playmakers and uncanny ball placement fueled a campaign that still resonates with fans of high-octane offense.

Ty Detmer | YDS: 5,188 – Season: 1990

Long before the modern spread systems, Ty Detmer’s 1990 season at BYU showcased old-school precision and savvy. His 5,188-yard performance — the first time a quarterback passed 5,000 yards in a season — rewrote expectations for what a college passer could accomplish, blending timing, anticipation, and sheer production.

His leadership and efficiency also earned him the Heisman Trophy that year, as he feasted on defenses with a mix of rhythm and imagination. His season remains a touchstone for the evolution of passing excellence in the game.

David Klingler | YDS: 5,140 – Season: 1990

David Klingler was an early progenitor of the high-yardage era, and his 1990 output at Houston spoke to his prowess and a burgeoning pass-heavy offense. Throwing for 5,140 yards, his season was marked by jaw-dropping box scores that hinted at the big-play potential lurking in every snap.

With quick reads and a rocket arm, he carved up secondaries with frequency, helping usher in an era of prolific collegiate passing. His numbers that year stood among the best in the land and helped set the stage for future record-chasing seasons.

Graham Harrell | YDS: 5,111 – Season: 2008

After a staggering 2007 campaign, Graham Harrell returned to Texas Tech in 2008 with expectations just as lofty. Even as defenses keyed in on him, he still threw for 5,111 yards, anchoring another relentless aerial assault out of Lubbock.

His precision and high-tempo rhythm kept opposing secondaries scrambling, and he finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting — one of the highest placings in school history. That season cemented Harrell’s reputation not just as a volume passer, but as a cerebral leader of one of college football’s most prolific offenses.

Derek Carr | YDS: 5,088 – Season: 2013

In 2013, Fresno State’s Derek Carr turned his senior year into one of the most efficient passing showcases in the Mountain West. He racked up 5,088 yards while pacing an offense that seemed to hit another gear every week, leading the nation in total offense and throwing 50 touchdowns along the way.

His cadence and command elevated the Bulldogs to an 11–2 finish, marking one of the most decorated single seasons in school history and earning him national recognition as both a top passer and a scholar-athlete.

Paul Smith | YDS: 5,065 – Season: 2007

Paul Smith’s 2007 season at Tulsa stands out as a defining moment for a program that thrived on creativity and aerial ingenuity. The Golden Hurricane signal-caller finished the year with 5,065 passing yards, threading the needle with accuracy and pace that stressed defenses across multiple conferences.

His connection with Tulsa’s receiving corps fueled a campaign full of big plays and sustained drives, helping the team compete at a high level and setting a school mark that remains part of Tulsa lore.

Brandon Doughty | YDS: 5,055 – Season: 2015

Brandon Doughty’s 2015 season for Western Kentucky was a masterclass in consistency and clutch execution. Through a blend of veteran poise and pinpoint accuracy, he finished with 5,055 passing yards, building on a legacy of production that made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the FBS.

His 2015 output highlighted not only his arm talent but his grasp of spacing and timing in a dynamic offense, pushing the Hilltoppers into national conversations and placing him among the era’s most prolific collegiate passers.

Patrick Mahomes | YDS: 5,052 – Season: 2016

Long before his NFL stardom, Patrick Mahomes electrified the Texas Tech offense in 2016 with a season defined by improvisation and arm talent. He threw for 5,052 yards, blending traditional Air Raid principles with unpredictable playmaking that kept defenses guessing.

That year featured some of the most chaotic and high-scoring shootouts in the college game, and his performance against Oklahoma — where he tied the NCAA single-game passing yard mark — became emblematic of his fearless style. His 2016 campaign remains a touchstone of athletic brilliance and offensive innovation.

The Browns elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to be their backup quarterback. With Dillon Gabriel out due to a concussion, the team needed a quarterback in case Sanders suffers any injury.

This shouldn’t worry Sanders as Zappe has been in the practice squad for a while and he is clearly below in the pecking order. Unless Shedeur suffers an injury, Zappe won’t play against the Raiders.

Zappe was a sensation for a short time

This is Zappe’s fourth year in the NFL. He has a starting record of 4-5 with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. However, during his second year with the Patriots, Zappe had the NFL in awe for a short period of time.

Mac Jones wasn’t playing great and Zappe had the opportunity to lift the team. While the Patriots still went 2-4 in that six-game span, Zappe had three games where the team went 2-1, he completed 72.8% of his passes for 676 yards, six touchdowns and only two picks for a passer rating of 106.1. Zappe was earning fans before then losing his job once again as his form dipped.

Sanders needs a win badly

The Browns are 2-8 and Dillon Gabriel is 1-5 since getting the starting job. Sanders was overlooked and now that he has his chance, a win is imperative. The Browns aren’t playing for anything right now, but Sanders is playing for his career.

If Sanders manages to win, he at least makes the QB1 spot a debate. If he looks great while winning, Gabriel doesn’t have the cushion to just get back and get the starting reps. It’s a massive game for Sanders.

On Wednesday, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe, per Tom Pelissero. After releasing Tyler Huntley, Cleveland chose to bolster its depth at the position by bringing back the former Patriots signal-caller.

Zappe spent the 2024 NFL season with the Browns. He started one game, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Are Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel at risk of being traded?

The arrival of Bailey Zappe in Cleveland has raised concerns among fans. With Kenny Pickett’s departure to the Raiders, many believed the Browns were settled at quarterback, but it appears they are not.

Dillon Gabriel has been named the team’s backup by head coach Kevin Stefanski. Shedeur Sanders remains the third-string option, though their relative inexperience may be the reason the team decided to bring in Zappe.

While the former 4th-round pick has not had a standout career, his experience could benefit both Gabriel and Sanders. With Pickett gone, Cleveland saw Zappe as a solid replacement and leveraged Pickett to acquire a 5th-round pick.

Gabriel and Sanders are not expected to lose their jobs to Zappe. However, competition in the quarterback room will undoubtedly intensify, and Stefanski wants to ensure neither rookie gets too comfortable now that Pickett is no longer on the roster.

Tom Pelissero broke the news on X, generating over 30,000 views and immediately prompting speculation about Zappe’s possible new team after his short stint with the Chiefs and Mahomes.

The Chiefs now have only three quarterbacks available on their depth chart. The lineup is as follows: Patrick Mahomes as QB1, Gardner Minshew as QB2, and Chris Oladokun as QB3. It appears the team has moved away from the idea of keeping four quarterbacks available on the roster.

Zappe Contributed Nothing to the Chiefs

Bailey Zappe failed to play a single regular season game with the Chiefs. While it was hoped he would, he was unable to, even in the preseason, where he threw two interceptions. However, the preseason doesn’t usually define a quarterback’s future.

Now, Patrick Mahomes will have two quarterbacks behind him on the depth chart. While they may not be veterans, they are viable options in case of an injury or any other event during the regular season.

Who Is the Most Experienced QB After Mahomes?

On the Chiefs’ depth chart, the second-most experienced quarterback after Zappe’s departure will be Gardner Minshew. He has been in the NFL since 2019, playing with four different teams over the last six years, and he threw a touchdown during the preseason.

The Browns have made several questionable decisions regarding the quarterback position in recent years. Most notably, the club moved on from Baker Mayfield to acquire Deshaun Watson, a decision where Mayfield appears to have come out on top.

After his release, Mayfield found success with the Buccaneers, solidifying himself as a reliable quarterback. Conversely, Watson has struggled a lot in Cleveland, and his tenure with the team seems to be nearing its end.

Browns welcome back Jameis Winston’s backup QB just two days after his release

Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Browns were viewed by many as potential dark horses. Fans anticipated a breakout season from Deshaun Watson, whom the team acquired from the Texans in exchange for three first-round picks.

Unfortunately for Browns fans, expectations couldn’t have been further from reality. Watson was already underperforming when a torn Achilles ended his season, forcing the team to rely on Jameis Winston as the starter.

Winston, however, has exceeded expectations. His strong performances have led analysts to speculate that the Browns might move on from Watson entirely and retain Winston as their starter next season. Meanwhile, issues surrounding the backup quarterback persist.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson is currently listed as QB2, but the Browns seem unconvinced of his ability to step in if Winston were unavailable. This concern prompted them to re-sign a quarterback they had released just days ago.

Before their Week 13 game against the Broncos on Monday, the Browns released Bailey Zappe. Just two days later, the team announced his return, though he is expected to remain inactive on gameday.

What could Jameis Winston’s next contract look like?

As of now, Jameis Winston’s future with the Browns is uncertain. The team must first resolve its situation with Deshaun Watson before deciding on their plans for the 2025 season.

All signs point to Winston staying in Cleveland. He is currently on a one-year, $4 million deal, but his strong performances this season have sparked reports that he could sign a two-year contract worth between $10 million and $15 million.

It has been a complicated2024 NFL season for the Browns. The team lost Deshaun Watson to a torn ACL a few weeks ago, forcing them to rely on Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback for the remainder of the campaign.

While Winston hasn’t performed poorly, the Browns are no longer considered dark horse contenders. They are now trying to make a final playoff push, tweaking their roster to give themselves the best chance.

Browns release Jameis Winston’s backup quarterback

The AFC North was anticipated to be one of the league’s most competitive divisions before the season began. While the Ravens and Steelers have met expectations, the Bengals and Browns have fallen short.

Cleveland entered the season as a potential dark horse with a balanced roster on both offense and defense. However, their hopes took a major hit when Deshaun Watson suffered his season-ending injury.

Watson’s future with Cleveland now appears uncertain. With his absence, the team has leaned on Jameis Winston as their starter, and many believe Winston could keep the role next year if the Browns move on from Watson.

However, Winston requires a reliable backup quarterback. Earlier this year, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe, but the former New England Patriots player has now been released.

Ahead of their Week 13 game against the Broncos, Cleveland announced Zappe’s departure. The team used his roster spot to sign defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to the active roster, leaving Dorian Thompson-Robinson as Winston’s sole backup.

Will the Browns release Deshaun Watson?

A few years ago, the Browns decided to put an end to their quarterback experiments and brought in a veteran leader for the position. However, Deshaun Watson’s tenure has been disastrous, and his future with the team is now in question.

Reports suggest that the Browns might consider parting ways with Watson next year. While such a move would have a significant impact on their salary cap, the team appears focused on achieving on-field success rather than financial considerations for future seasons.

While the 25-year-old didn’t play a single snap for the Chiefs in an official game, his presence on the practice squad gave Kansas City some necessary depth at quarterback. Therefore, the team reportedly reacted quickly to his departure.

According to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest, the Chiefs are reuniting with quarterback Chris Oladokun. The 27-year-old, who was waived in August, is returning to Arrowhead to fill in the hole left by Zappe on the practice squad.

The third-year quarterback is familiar with this role, having spent the last two seasons with the scout team in Kansas City. Now, he’ll be serving as the third-string QB behind Carson Wentz, who became Mahomes‘ backup this year.

Oladokun may not have regular season experience, but he knows the system in and out. The Florida native did see preseason action though. This year, he went 22-of-33 for 250 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Browns find in Zappe an alternative after QB injuries

The Browns signed Zappe after finding out that Watson will be out for the rest of the 2024 NFL season. On Sunday’s 14-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the 29-year-old left the field in pain, and MRI later revealed he suffered a torn Achilles.

Since Dorian Thompson-Robinson also picked up a finger injury after taking over, Cleveland felt like bringing Zappe in. The former New England Patriots QB didn’t have much room on the Chiefs anyway, so this could be a great opportunity for him to see action for the first time this season.

Zappe is not expected to start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8 though, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero reports the 25-year-old could serve as Jameis Winston’s backup on Sunday.

Even though only Mahomes and Wentz are on the 53-man active roster, it looks like Zappe’s presence on the practice squad is still valuable for Reid. Speaking to the media on Sunday, the Chiefs head coach revealed he found a special role for the third-year QB this week.

With the 2024 NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens just around the corner, Zappe will be simulating Lamar Jackson in practice to help the Chiefs‘ defense prepare to face one of the most dangerous QBs in the league.

“Yeah, Bailey (Zappe) can do that. We’ve always mixed guys in there when we have a chance of playing (and) there are some other guys that can jump in,” Reid said, via ChiefsWire. “We have a little plan for it. Not that any of them are as good as him (laughter) – Chris (Oladokun) included. I mean, Chris did a nice job, but this kid (Lamar Jackson), he’s a special player. It’s very hard to mimic him.”

As Reid mentioned, pretending to be playing against Jackson in practice is still a very challenging task since the Ravens star is a one-of-a-kind QB. Chris Oladokun, however, did a good job in imitating Lamar before the 2024 AFC Championship Game.

Reid looks happy to have Zappe on the QB room

The Chiefs landing Zappe this offseason took many by surprise, though it was an interesting move since he comes to Kansas City with starting experience from his time in Foxborough. Besides, Reid claimed he was already an admirer of Zappe from his college days.

“Good player – on the practice squad, you’re saying? We liked him (Bailey Zappe) in college (and) we liked what he showed us in the last game there; he did a nice job of that,” said Reid. “We think down the road he’ll help us there.”

Zappe went 23 of 31 for 180 yards, with a touchdown and an interception in the Patriots‘ 17-27 loss to the Chiefs at Gillette Stadium in December 2023. The 2022 fourth-round pick was promoted to starter after the benching of Mac Jones, but eventually was released by the Patriots as they landed Jacoby Brissett and first-round pick Drake Maye this summer.

Now, Zappe will get to work closely with the best QB in the league on the reigning champions as Mahomes and Reid aim to pull off an unprecedented three-peat in the NFL. He may not see the field like he did in Foxborough, but it looks like the 25-year-old is already being useful in practice.

The second-year quarterback has replaced the Alabama product in four games this season, but has not started a single game in 2023. Word on the street is that Zappe may lead the offense in Week 13, but in the meantime, he’s keeping his feet on the ground.

“Nothing set in stone. I’m just taking it day by day,” Zappe told Patriots.com on Thursday. “Treating every rep I get in practice like it’s a game rep and just preparing like I do every other week. It’s cliche to say it, but I try to prepare every week like I’m the starter as far as watching film, studying the plays, and getting with the guys. For me, this week is not any different.”

Last time out against the New York Giants, Zappe came on for Jones at halftime as the former first-round pick threw two interceptions and fumbled once. Zappe couldn’t get the win for the team, but he managed to lead a scoring drive and put the team in a position to go for a field goal and force overtime, but Chad Ryland missed the kick.

Jones reportedly running from behind this week

The Patriots return to action on Sunday, when they welcome the Los Angeles Chargers to Gillette Stadium in Week 13. The team started to prepare on Wednesday, but it looks like Jones didn’t get too much activity.

According to NBC Sports Boston, Zappe and Malik Cunningham were the only quarterbacks to throw in the part of practice open to reporters. The fact that it was Zappe who had media availability on Thursday may be another sign that the team is preparing a change at quarterback. Bill Belichick, however, has so far refused to suggest who will be under center against the Chargers.

“Yeah, I’m not going to make any announcements on our lineup at any position,” Belichick said. “So, it doesn’t matter what the position is. We’ll see how practice goes; see if everybody is ready to go. Hopefully, everybody is ready to go; see what the injury situation is, and we’ll go with who we think is best on Sunday.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster liked what he saw of Malik Cunningham

Since Jones looks on the verge of losing the starting duties, everyone expects Zappe to be promoted in the depth chart. But wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster suggests Malik Cunningham could also make a case for himself.

“He looked good. Him going out there, making throws, moving the chains, moving the ball down the field. He looked good,” Smith-Schuster said, via PatriotsWire. “That’s a dangerous dude right there. Him being in there, he can do a lot of different things with the ball in his hands.”

The Patriots’ quarterback situation has given a lot to talk about for a while now, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon.

Belichick signed a contract extension a couple of weeks ago, and while some believe he could still be fired — or even traded — at some point in the near future, all those rumblings have been quiet.

Instead, all the talk is centering around their struggling quarterback, who was once again benched by Bailey Zappe. With just six games left in an already lost season, coach Belichick continues to have tight lips about his plans for the Q.B. position, and it seems like he’ll make decisions on a game-to-game basis:

“Yeah, I’m not going to make any announcements on our lineup at any position,” Belichick said. “So, it doesn’t matter what the position is. We’ll see how practice goes; see if everybody is ready to go. Hopefully, everybody is ready to go; see what the injury situation is, and we’ll go with who we think is best on Sunday.”

Jones May Have Lost The Locker Room

However, as much as Belichick wants to stay true to his usual M.O., his actions reveal what his words didn’t. According to Mark Daniels of Mass Live, Bailey Zappe practiced with the first team, with Jones leading the scout team:

“According to multiple team sources, Bailey Zappe took the bulk of first-team reps during Wednesday’s Patriots practice while Mac Jones ran the scout team offense,” wrote Daniels.

Notably, the report also states that most players actually welcomed the change, as they didn’t feel like Jones was doing a good enough job to remain as the starter:

“According to one source, the practice didn’t have a different feel, but the change was welcomed,” continued the report. “By having Zappe with the starters in the first practice of the week, he’ll get a full week of preparation to start against the Los Angeles Chargers. The feeling in the locker room is that this is the right path for the Patriots to get better results offensively, and it wasn’t fair to keep putting Jones out there due to his struggles.”

Jones Is Struggling Emotionally

Jones had vowed to earn his teammates’ respect back this season, and while he’s not the only one to blame for the Patriots’ shortcomings, that just hasn’t been the case thus far.

According to Patriots insider Mike Giardi, he’s having a tough time coping with this situation, up to the point where he’s been visually ‘beat up’ over the past couple of days:

“On Mac Jones, talked to a pair of team sources. One said he’s ‘emotionally and mentally beat up. He’s poured everything into it, so to get this little out of it is exhausting.‘ Another added Mac has been ‘pressing‘ and is ‘beat up,‘” Giardi tweeted.

The Patriots don’t have a good receiving corps or offensive line, and Bill O’Brien’s play-calling and play design has been subpar as well. The team has failed Jones as much as he’s failed them.

The offseason will be key for him, and he’ll have to put a lot of work on his mental health to bounce back from this. He could still have a future in the league, either as a starter or a backup in the right situation, but he looks mentally broken and out of confidence on the field right now, and that could mean the end of his once-promising career.