In the first surprise of the day, the New England Patriots are reportedly releasing backup quarterback Bailey Zappe. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news on Tuesday.
Zappe was believed to be the top backup to quarterback Mac Jones and a lock to make the team. Granted, he struggled throughout the preseason, but he played well enough in training camp to think he’d get another crack under center.
There was also the fact that the Patriots spent a fourth-round draft pick on him in the 2022 NFL draft. It’s a bit too soon to be giving up on a developmental player in only his second season, right?
Wrong.
The #Patriots have waived backup QB Bailey Zappe, source said. A surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2023
The Patriots have released Zappe, Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham, leaving Jones as the only quarterback left on the roster. It’s bit of a head-scratcher for a team that always teaches us to expect the unexpected.
