Patriots Waive QB Bailey Zappe

The Patriots are making a surprise move, waiving their young backup quarterback.

The New England Patriots are waiving backup quarterback Bailey Zappe, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It's a surprise move by the Pats, as Zappe showed plenty of promise last season as a rookie, often playing better than starter Mac Jones.

A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zappe put up record-breaking numbers at Western Kentucky, and showed flashes of brilliance for an often lifeless Pats offense when he got his opportunities to play last season.

It remains to be seen whether or not the 24-year-old will be brought back to New England's practice squad, or picked up on waivers by another quarterback-needy team.