NFL Rumors: Patriots Make Decision On Bailey Zappe Amid Roster Crunch

Bailey Zappe will not be on the New England Patriots’ initial 53-man roster for a second consecutive season. But this time it feels like Zappe’s return is more of a long shot.

The third-year quarterback will be waived by the Patriots, as first reported Tuesday morning by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. The Boston Herald and MassLive confirmed Pelissero’s report.

It probably didn’t come as much of a surprise to Patriots fans as it seemed to be a foregone conclusion ever since New England drafted two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Patriots currently have three quarterbacks on their roster with veteran Jacoby Brissett, 2024 third overall pick Drake Maye and fellow rookie Joe Milton III.

Milton surpassed Zappe on the depth chart early into Patriots training camp and never looked back. Zappe saw fewer and fewer competitive reps during the second half of camp and was the last of four quarterbacks to enter New England’s preseason games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.

The Patriots have to trim down their roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. You can keep track of all the reports and rumors with our Patriots roster tracker here.