Bailey Zappe's Departure Marks a New Era for the New England Patriots

Bailey Zappe's Waiving by the New England Patriots

No starting quarterback decision has been announced for the New England Patriots, but a backup QB is on his way out. Bailey Zappe is being waived by the Pats following two seasons and eight starts, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday.

Zappe, 25, was also cut by the Pats ahead of the 2023 season, but this one feels more permanent with either first-round rookie Drake Maye or veteran Jacoby Brissett getting the QB1 spot and rookie Joe Milton III on the roster.

Bailey Zappe's Journey with the Patriots

Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Zappe was a fan favorite as a rookie, having briefly injected some life into an unconscious offense. However, over two seasons in New England, neither he nor Mac Jones could sustain success in the final years of the Bill Belichick era. Zappe was waived last year and then re-signed to the practice squad, ending last season as the Patriots’ starter for the final six games.

• Zappe ends his Patriots career with a 4-4 starting record.
• He has 14 games of experience, throwing for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
• The Western Kentucky product joins a long list of quarterbacks from the doomed ‘22 draft class moving on from their original teams.

The Patriots’ QB room is now completely overhauled for the 2023 season with no holdovers from the previous roster.