You can never have too many backup plans in the NFL, especially at a key position like quarterback.
For the Chiefs, they addressed their QB room in the offseason — behind superstar Patrick Mahomes, of course — just in case they ever need a spot starter if their three-time Super Bowl MVP misses time.
Kansas City opted for a veteran quarterback in that backup role, one who’s even been an MVP candidate in the past.
Here’s what to know about the Chiefs’ backup quarterback, his career stats and who else is on the team’s depth chart at the position.
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Who is the Chiefs’ backup QB?
Slotted behind Mahomes at quarterback in 2024 is Carson Wentz, the former Eagle, Colt, Commander and Ram.
Now entering his eighth season in the league, Wentz has extensive starting experience but has become a backup option in recent seasons after injuries and a decrease in productivity derailed his career.
However, he is only three seasons removed from a 27-touchdown, seven-interception year with Indianapolis. If he’s ever needed to step up in Kansas City, it’s not unfathomable that the same throwing talent is still there.
In Week 18 of 2023, he started for the Rams and notched 163 passing yards and two touchdowns in the air, plus 56 rushing yards and a touchdown with his legs. He was Los Angeles’ leading rusher against the 49ers, although many starters in the game were out.
Ironic to see Carson Wentz running for a touchdown for the Rams. It was against the Rams where he tore his knee up during his MVP season of 2017. pic.twitter.com/3m5kvIHF26
— Dom Izzo (@DomIzzoWDAY) January 8, 2024
Wentz, now 31, signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in April.
In the offseason, he told ESPN “it’s different” knowing he has virtually no chance of becoming a full-time starter under Mahomes, but it’s a role he’s accepted and is making the most of.
"I'm trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can, formulate a relationship with all these guys and just keep getting better on the field,” Wentz told ESPN. “You've got to always be ready to go when called upon, so it's no different in that regard."
The veteran finished third in MVP voting in 2017, and is now one of the bigger names among the NFL’s backup quarterbacks regardless of what he’s capable of in 2024.
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Carson Wentz career stats
With six seasons as a full-time starter for at least a period of the season, Wentz has totaled 153 touchdown passes against 67 interceptions in his career.
He’s also taken a whopping 239 sacks, including 50 across 12 games in 2020, and has 72 fumbles across his eight years in the NFL. Both are key numbers within the reasons he’s no longer a starter in the league.
Here's a look at his year-by-year stats in his career.
| Year | Team | Record | Comp. % | Passing yards | Pass TDs | INTs | Y/a | Rating |
| 2016 | Eagles | 7-9 | 62.4 | 3,782 | 16 | 14 | 6.2 | 79.3 |
| 2017 | Eagles | 11-2 | 60.2 | 3,296 | 33 | 7 | 7.5 | 101.9 |
| 2018 | Eagles | 5-6 | 69.6 | 3,074 | 21 | 7 | 7.7 | 102.2 |
| 2019 | Eagles | 9-7 | 63.9 | 4,039 | 27 | 7 | 6.7 | 93.1 |
| 2020 | Eagles | 3-8-1 | 57.4 | 2,620 | 16 | 15 | 6.0 | 72.8 |
| 2021 | Colts | 9-8 | 62.4 | 3,563 | 27 | 7 | 6.9 | 94.6 |
| 2022 | Commanders | 2-5 | 62.3 | 1,755 | 11 | 9 | 6.4 | 80.2 |
| 2023 | Rams | 1-0 | 70.8 | 163 | 2 | 1 | 6.8 | 99.8 |
Chiefs QB depth chart
| QB Rank | Name |
| No. 1 | Patrick Mahomes |
| No. 2 | Carson Wentz |
| No. 3 | Bailey Zappe |
1. Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is entering Year 8 and has shown no signs of slowing down on his Hall of Fame trajectory, now a three-time Super Bowl champion.
The Chiefs are more than set with their game-changing talent at QB1, but they do have experience waiting on the sidelines if they ever need it.
2. Carson Wentz
Wentz is the only other quarterback on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster and is serving as the backup option.
In the preseason, Wentz completed nine of his 14 passes with one touchdown, which went to rookie receiver Xavier Worthy.
WENTZ FINDS WORTHY FOR 6‼️ pic.twitter.com/bFmoVUBNIz
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 17, 2024
3. Bailey Zappe
Per Ian Rapoport, Kansas City signed former Patriots starter Bailey Zappe to its practice squad following 2024 roster cuts.
Zappe, 25, has eight career starts and will be the third option at quarterback for the Chiefs.