6 Patriots on Thin Ice Following OTAs

1. Bailey Zappe, Quarterback

Not long ago, Bailey Zappe had a shot at being the starting quarterback in New England. With Mac Jones struggling in 2022, the Pats turned to Zappe and the rookie delivered. In two starts, he completed 70.7 percent of his passing attempts for 781 yards with a 5-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Most importantly, they won both games.

Zappe didn't light the world on fire but he gave them more than Mac Jones was at the time. But Jones was a first-round pick, so he got yet another shot in 2023. Unsurprisingly, he didn't make the most of that and was benched again. Zappe got another crack at the starting gig, this time leading New England to a record of 2-4 — which was far better than the 2-9 mark they had with Jones.

Once the season ended, the Patriots decided to make some changes under center. Jones is now in Jacksonville and the New England depth chart features Jacoby Brissett (who is in his second tenure in New England), Zappe, and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.

Maye is expected to be the future face of the franchise but Brissett is slated to start while they develop the No. 3 overall pick. He might not be ready to unseat Brissett, but he's already doing enough to give Zappe a run for his money.

Should Maye push Zappe down the depth chart, he could very well find himself being let go. Milton, who was added in the sixth-round, offers plenty of upside in his own right. The Patriots might decide it's best to go with Brissett as the lone veteran while they develop their rookies.

More Patriots Coverage