6 Patriots Who Won't Survive the Preseason

1. Bailey Zappe, QB

The entire quarterback room is going to look different for the Patriots this year. Mac Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars as they turned the page on the 2021 first-round pick from Alabama. His former backup — who ended up taking his job last year — could be on the way out as well.

Bailey Zappe was taken in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. He wasn't known for having a rocket arm but Zappe was a confident signal-caller who delivered an accurate pass. He rose to prominence as a rookie when he filled in for Jones and led the Patriots to a 2-0 record. He completed 70.7 percent of his attempts for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three picks.

Zappe struggled in his second season, going 2-4 as the starter. He completed 59.9 percent of his attempts for 1,272 yards while throwing just six touchdowns and nine picks. He now finds himself fourth on the depth chart behind free agent addition (and returning former Patriot) Jacoby Brissett and two rookies, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.

The third-year pro was in the game ahead of Milton but didn't do much to assert himself. It's clear that Milton has the edge due to his higher ceiling so it's only a matter of time until they move on from Zappe. The only question is whether or not he makes it to the final cuts or if some QB-needy team tries to flip a late-round pick for him in hopes of helping him find his 2022 form.

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