Patriots waive quarterback Bailey Zappe in a surprise move
The Patriots have one quarterback on their active roster right now and that’s Mac Jones. That’s because the team waived Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham on Tuesday, ahead of the 4 p.m. deadline to have their roster set at 53 players.
The second year quarterback’s play this preseason was underwhelming but despite that he was expected to serve as Jones’ backup.
The Patriots are hoping that both Zappe and Cunningham will be added to their practice squad. Both players will need to clear waivers first.
Zappe showed out a lackluster performance during the team’s final preseason game against the Titans. Generally when a player plays deep into the final preseason contest, their roster hopes are slim.
The 2022 fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky played in three preseason games and was 30-of-51 for 247 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. He was also sacked six times.
Zappe has become a fan favorite the last season for fans in the anti-Jones camp. In his first professional season, Zappe completed 65 of 92 passes for 781 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions.
Long-time Patriots’ special teams player Matthew Slater was surprised to learn Zappe was a roster casualty.
"Certainly something that is, I guess, surprising for a lot of us, but that's just the nature of the business," he said. "I love Bailey. He knows how I feel about him. He's one of my favorite kids of all time."
The Patriots are ending ZappeMania for now by exposing him to waivers. If he does return to the practice squad, he will look to course correct from his rough camp and preseason.
New England will need to make a decision on who’ll be Jones’ backup for the upcoming season.
Colt McCoy has been linked to the Patriots after he was cut by Cardinals. The 36-year-old struggled this preseason as well, but has been a serviceable backup in the league for many years.
Other notable free agent names
Carson Wentz
Nick Foles
John Wolford
Chase Daniel
Trevor Siemian
John Wolford
Chris Streveler
Ben DiNucci
Tommy DeVito
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