NFL Insider Reveals Patriots Plan for Zappe, Backup QB

The New England Patriots made a risky move when waiving backup quarterback Bailey Zappe during roster cutdowns. They are reportedly hoping that risk pays off, per their intentions.

FOXBORO — After the New England Patriots shockingly trimmed their quarterback depth chart to only one player — starter Mac Jones — at Tuesday’s 53-man roster reduction deadline, the club’s intentions at the position are starting to take shape. 

New England surprisingly cut both Bailey Zappe, as well as undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham, leaving the team without a backup for Jones — at least, temporarily. Just one day earlier, the Pats released veteran Trace McSorely. 

While many immediately theorized that Zappe would return to the team via the practice squad — should he clear waivers on Wednesday - these speculations became a bit more galvanized when The Athletic reported that New England’s succession plan at quarterback includes retaining Zappe’s services. 

Despite their intentions, waiving Zappe was both a surprising and risky move but the Patriots. For much of training camp and the preseason, the second-year signal caller was rumored to be in competition with Jones for the starting job — armed with an impressive rookie resume. When Jones was sidelined due to a high ankle sprain last October, Zappe performed well. The rookie demonstrated poise within the Patriots system, leading the team to a 2-0 record as a starter. Zappe finished the season completing 65 of 92 passes for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe

However, Zappe’s preseason performance down the stretch undoubtedly caused his stock to fall. Though he had some aesthetically-pleasing moments — including a 42-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte in the second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers — Zappe’s struggles reached a crescendo when fumbling the ball three times against the Tennessee Titans in the Pats preseason finale. Zappe ultimately finished the preseason by going 30 for 51 (58.8 percent) for 253 yards with one touchdown and the aforementioned three fumbles. 

Should Zappe land on New England’s practice squad, he would only be eligible as a call-up option on game days to serve as the team's second option at quarterback. The Patriots may ultimately choose to sign him to the 53-man roster, should a spot become available due to a player’s release, or placement on injured reserve. 

Still, any exposure to life on the practice squad carries an inherent risk. Should Zappe be claimed by another team Wednesday, the Patriots may have to shift focus to a veteran backup — with former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy and ex Dallas Cowboys reserve Will Grier rumored to be among the top possibilities. 

Of course, even if Zappe is signed to the practice squad, he is subject to be signed by a quarterback-needy team. Were he to choose to leave New England in that manner, the Pats would once again be scrambling to obtain a veteran backup — with the selection likely to be slimmer than it is at present. 

New England made a bold move by trimming its quarterback room to one. Should Zappe, or Malik Cunningham [or, dare we say, both?] end up back in New England, their strategy while playing waiver-wire roulette will seem impressive. 

If not, the Pats will be back at the drawing board sooner than anticipated.