Patriots release QB Bailey Zappe, reports say – Boston News, Weather, Sports

FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) – The New England Patriots will release quarterback Bailey Zappe, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Tuesday.

Zappe, who made 14 appearances for the Patriots in two seasons, played 10 games for New England last year and took over as the Patriots' starter after coaches benched former starting quarterback Mac Jones.

After New England signed Drake Maye as the third pick in this year's NFL Draft and the team signed experienced quarterback Jacoby Brissett in the offseason, team officials informed Zappe that he would be released, according to Reiss.

Reiss cited ESPN sources in his reporting. Several other media outlets reported the same news Tuesday morning.

The Patriots had released Zappe before the 2023 season before signing him to their practice squad and promoting him during the season while Jones faltered. Although the team could attempt a similar move this fall, experts say they are unlikely to do so after signing Brissett, drafting Maye and also selecting quarterback Joe Milton III.

All NFL teams must complete their 53-man rosters by 4 p.m. Tuesday.

To meet the deadline, the Patriots had to release 21 more players by about 12 p.m.

The Patriots completed their preseason training last Thursday and are scheduled to open the regular season on September 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

As of Tuesday afternoon, new head coach Jerod Mayo had not publicly announced who he would select as his starting quarterback against Cincinnati.

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