Patriots' Chances of 'Winning' QBs Zappe, Malik on Waiver Wire?

If the New England Patriots hope to re-sign backup quarterbacks Bailey Zappe or Malik Cunningham, they'll need to "win" the players on the NFL's waiver wire.

Mac Jones will be lonely at New England Patriots' practice this afternoon. But even though he's the lone quarterback on the roster, it won't last long.

After shocking the NFL by cutting both backups Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham on Tuesday, the Pats' plan to actually having a No. 2 quarterback revolves around the waiver wire. They are hoping Zappe and/or Cunningham are not claimed by another team by Wednesday's Noon deadline, and therefore will re-sign.

Players with less than four yeas of experience need to pass through the waiver wire. If a player does get claimed, he moves onto a team’s active 53-man roster. If he goes unclaimed, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team ... including the one that just released him. 

Multiple teams can claim the same player, but options are according to last year's record. The Chicago Bears No. 1; Patriots 14th. The "highest" team claiming a player wins the right to sign him.

Of the Patriots' recent cuts, 14 were placed on waivers, including Zappe, Cunningham, running backs J.J. Taylor and Kevin Harris and offensive linemen Chasen Hines and Andrew Stueber.

Players with four-plus years of NFL experience are not subject to waivers and immediately become free agents. Those Pats include running back Ty Montgomery and linebacker Calvin Munson.

The Patriots will practice at 1:30, about the time they can sign players for their 16-man practice squad.

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