Even though teams trimmed down their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, moves continued to be made. The New England Patriots are one of those teams that remain active, claiming quarterback Tommy DeVito and cornerback Charles Woods off of waivers, while releasing wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker.
While the Patriots continue to bolster their depth and finalize their practice squad, this former Patriots quarterback is already facing an uphill battle with his new team.
Former Patriots QB Bailey Zappe Facing an Uphill Battle
Former Patriots fourth-round selection Bailey Zappe is on thin ice again with the Cleveland Browns, as head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Shedeur Sanders will be the team’s emergency quarterback on Thursday (h/t @DanielOyefusi).
Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will be the team’s emergency QB on game day, coach Kevin Stefanski said.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 28, 2025
Team added Bailey Zappe to the practice squad but plan is still for Sanders to be the No. 3 QB.
This is a huge blow for Zappe, as he’ll likely remain on the team’s practice squad. Zappe, 26, signed with the Browns following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.
This is Zappe’s second stint with the team, as he signed with the team last October. The ex-Pats signal-caller made his only start with the Browns in their last regular-season game, recording one touchdown and two interceptions while going 16-of-31 in the pocket in a Week 18 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Browns have a crowded quarterback room. They currently have four quarterbacks on the roster, one of which is Deshaun Watson, who’s out indefinitely after he re-ruptured his Achilles tendon. Joe Flacco will open the year as their QB1 while rookie passer Dillon Gabriel will handle the primary backup duties.
If Zappe were to be moved to the active roster, the Browns would either have to release one of their quarterbacks or one of them would have to get injured. Even if an injury were to happen, the Browns would be more inclined to start one of their rookie quarterbacks over him, which is telling for how he's viewed in Cleveland.
Zappe will likely remain at the back of their depth chart unless another team signs him off the practice squad. With that in mind, it's safe to say Patriots fans will be closely monitoring to see where his career will take him next.