Bailey Zappe’s Agent Speaks Up on Contract Drama
By Isaiah De Los Santos
It’s safe to say this offseason hasn’t gone as Bailey Zappe would’ve hoped. He not only failed to win the starting job, but his preseason struggles also resulted in him falling out of favor for the primary backup role.
Zappe was then cut from the active roster and unclaimed on waivers by any of the other 31 teams before signing to the Pats’ practice squad. His demotion also came with a hit to his bank account, as he’s now making practice squad money.
However, his agent was quick to speak up on any issues relating to his contract.
Let’s add some context here: Bailey Zappe is getting the maximum allowed for his years of service in the NFL, per the CBA.
— Nicole Lynn (@AgentNicoleLynn) September 6, 2023
Bailey Zappe Contract
On Tuesday, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported that New England signed three practice squad players (James Ferentz, Calvin Munson and Ty Montgomery) to “enhanced” contracts. This upped that trio’s pay to $20,600 a week, giving them a nice little boost.
However, Volin decided to drag Zappe’s name into the conversation even though it didn’t concern him at all. The Pats writer highlighted that Zappe is making the NFL minimum ($12K per week) now, trying to connect the dots and possibly suggest the backup QB isn’t in the team’s good graces since he didn’t receive a bump in pay.
Nicole Lynn, Zappe’s agent, saw this attempt to downplay her client’s abilities and cleared the air immediately. She pointed out Zappe’s contract is determined by his years of NFL service, so it’s not even possible for the Western Kentucky product to make more.
This was a lame way to try to discredit Zappe’s standing in New England, and it’s great to see his agent setting the record the straight. With Zappe still in the running for the QB2 role, it’d be no surprise if the Patriots want to give him more money to keep him motivated. Instead, both parties are at the mercy of the CBA here.
Perhaps this drastic paycut will help light a fire under the once-Pats starter. There’s still a clear path to the active roster in front of him despite the arrival of Matt Corral. It’s on Zappe, however, to prove he’s worth paying the big bucks.
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