Despite starting six games for the 2023 Patriots, New England could cut former starting quarterback Bailey Zappe. A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Westen Kentucky product entered the season as the primary backup to former first-round pick Mac Jones. However, Jones crashed and burned, eventually losing the starting job to Zappe. While the second-year pro had his moment, he largely disappointed with the additional opportunities. Appearing in 10 games, Zappe finished the season completing 59.9% of his passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 52.2 PFF grade.
Zappe’s play was a substantial catalyst in New England earning the third-overall pick, which they promptly used on UNC’s Drake Maye. With Jacoby Brissett brought in a short-term bridge quarterback and rookie Joe Milton added as a high-ceiling prospect, Bleacher Report‘s David Kenyon believes the Patriots could cut Bailey Zappe.
New England Patriots Could Cut Bailey Zappe
This analysis isn’t surprising in the slightest. Bill Belichick is out of the building and the new showrunners decided to cut all ties with the players who led to last year’s disappointing season. With Mac Jones in Jacksonville, it only seems like a matter of time before the Patriots cut Bailey Zappe. Interestingly enough, New England cut Zappe last year but brought him back after he cleared waivers. Chances are, New England won’t look for a reunion this time around.
Bailey Zappe is not a starting-caliber quarterback, but he could fight for a backup job if and when the Patriots cut him. While his numbers were terrible, it’s worth mentioning that the quarterback also fought through terrible blocking with arguably the worst collection of pass-catchers in the league. Zappe’s lack of physical traits ensures he’ll never enter the season under center, but he might be good enough to handle backup duties on a more competent roster. While any team could give him a chance, these five make the most sense.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, but Easton Stick didn’t do enough to fend off competition for the backup job. The former fifth-round pick did the best he could in relief of an injured Herbert last year, but the on-field results left something to be desired. Maybe he’s better than Bailey Zappe, but Jim Harbaugh could invite a competition if the Patriots cut him early enough in the offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the world, and Carson Wentz might be the NFL’s best backup. However, Wentz is on a one-year deal and Andy Reid should consider investing in a potential long-term backup. Mahomes is one of the most physically gifted players to ever step on the field, but Reid’s time with Alex Smith proved that he doesn’t need an elite athlete to execute his scheme. Bailey Zappe is an ideal fit for the 90-man roster if cut and possesses the ability to keep the ship afloat if Mahomes and/or Wentz need to miss a week or two.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford is still great, but the former first-overall pick is entering his age-36 season and has an extensive list of injuries. Jimmy Garoppolo comes with his own list of worries, and nobody knows what the future holds for Stetson Bennett. Bailey Zappe could make this roster cut as the third-string quarterback, allowing Sean McVay to work his magic and try to make him the long-term backup.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have the worst quarterback situation in football. Aidan O’Connell didn’t do much as a rookie, and Gardner Minshew is nothing more than an adequate journeyman. Bailey Zappe is cut from the same cloth as these two and should be able to compete for snaps in this offense. While O’Connell will get the first shot at the job, don’t be surprised if Zappe makes his way onto the field in the back half of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield proved he can be a starting-caliber quarterback in the right system. However, while he has a lock on the starting job, Tampa Bay should try and find a better backup. Former second-round pick Kyle Trask has done nothing to justify any level of confidence, and John Wolford is better off playing spring football. Bailey Zappe should be able to compete with these two and step in if injury strikes.
Main Photo: David Butler – USA Today Sports
