BREAKING: Patriots Cut QBs Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham; Who's Mac Jones' Backup?

The New England Patriots made a shocking roster move ahead of Tuesday's 53-man deadline, cutting second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe and clearing the way for undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham to be No. 2 behind Mac Jones. Until he, too, was cut.

"Zappe Hour" is officially over in Foxboro. But so, strangely, is "Malik Magic."

On a shocking Tuesday afternoon just before the NFL's 53-man roster deadline, the New England Patriots cut both their backup quarterbacks (Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham) a day after cutting the only other reserve on the roster (Trace McSorely).

The general consensus was that, after cutting McSorely, the Pats would keep Zappe and perhaps even the versatile Cunningham. But in the wake of the shocking transactions, as the 4 p.m. deadline expired the Patriots were left with only one quarterback on their roster: starter Mac Jones.

The #Patriots waived rookie QB/WR Malik Cunningham, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2023

The release of Cunningham was surprising, given that he played multiple offensive positions and dazzled in New England's preseason opener against the Houston Texans. Though "Malik Magic" was the early buzz of training camp, he fizzled late and didn't produce any positive plays at receiver or quarterback in last week's finale against the Tennessee Titans.

The #Patriots have waived backup QB Bailey Zappe, source said. A surprise.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2023

The real shocker is the release of Zappe, who a year ago almost took the starting job from Jones. While the starter was out with an injured ankle, Zappe won his first two starts and prompted fans to commence a "quarterback controversy" in New England.

But Zappe had an ugly summer, capped by fumbling three times in the loss to the Titans. He did throw a 42-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte in the second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

Given these transactions, the pressing question is: Who is Jones' backup quarterback?

The Pats are obviously hoping Zappe and/or Cunningham clear waivers and land on their practice squad. If not, veteran quarterbacks released this week include Will Grier (Cowboys) and Colt McCoy (Cardinals).

Even if Zappe returns to the Pats, how will his release change the dynamic between a quarterback and the team that is clearly living to take the risk to live without him?

Stay tuned to the drama ...