3 Patriots Veterans Who Will Be Cut Following the NFL Draft

The New England Patriots had quite the showing at the 2024 NFL Draft, adding eight hungry rookies to the roster. This year's class was headlined by former UNC quarterback Drake Maye, who the Patriots selected using the third overall pick.

While it's always exciting to see the next crop of new faces join the franchise, it isn't an exciting time for everyone. Certain Patriots veterans who underperformed last season now must compete with the incoming rookies for spots on the 53-man roster. If the experienced players can't prove they still have 'it,' their time in New England is as good as over.

With that in mind, here are three Patriots veterans who could be cut following the 2024 NFL Draft.

1. Bailey Zappe, QB

The Patriots' quarterback room has undergone a lot of changes this offseason. Mac Jones was sent packing to the Jacksonville Jaguars while Jacoby Brissett was brought in as a stop-gap for the next franchise QB, who we now know is Maye.

After New England also drafted Tennessee QB Joe Milton in the sixth round, it's safe to say that Bailey Zappe's future is up in the air.

Zappe, who was drafted 137th overall in 2022, took a massive step back last year following a decent (yet limited) rookie showing. The 25-year-old signal-caller made 10 appearances (6 starts) in 2023, completing just 59.9% of passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns to nine interceptions, and a 68.7 passer rating. The Pats also played to a 2-4 record in his starts.

As it stands, Zappe slides in as the No. 3 QB behind Brissett and Maye on the Patriots' depth chart, but he'll likely have to compete with Milton throughout the summer for that spot. Considering how New England can save $985,000 by cutting the struggling vet, per Spotrac, it's clear that Zappe must step up to avoid risking unemployment.