Former Patriots QB Finds New Home With AFC Contender

Well, Zappe Fever has officially come to an end in New England. Former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, who appeared in 14 games for the Pats over two seasons, has reportedly agreed to join the Kansas City Chiefs on their practice squad.

NFL News: Bailey Zappe Signs With the Chiefs

Zappe, a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2022, was released by the team on Tuesday as part of roster cutdowns before the 53-man roster deadline at 4 p.m.

Zappe started two games in his rookie season after both Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer went down with injuries, performing admirably and engulfing much of the fanbase into "Zappe Fever". The Patriots went 2-0 in his starts.

Mac Jones' putrid 2023 performance forced Zappe to come into the game on several occasions in relief of Jones before Zappe was named as the starter for the remainder of the season following New England's Week 12 loss.

Zappe departs Foxborough with a record of 4-4 while completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,053 yards and 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

Given his starting experience, there was some belief that Zappe could wind up with a team with less certainty at the quarterback position, but it appears that he didn't command a ton of interest around the league. Zappe was waived last August as part of the Patriots' final roster cuts but went unclaimed before signing to New England's practice squad.

Instead, the former Patriot walks into the most stable quarterback situation in football behind future Hall of Famer Patrick Mahomes, where there is absolutely zero controversy or competition. Former second-overall pick Carson Wentz, now on his fifth team, will hold down the second-string spot.

Given that this was the second consecutive August that Zappe was cut by the Patriots at the end of the preseason, it was obvious that a change of scenery would be best for both parties. Still only 25, Zappe could perhaps continue to develop his skills under one of the best offensive minds of all time in Andy Reid before pursuing an opportunity elsewhere.

As the NFL season progresses, the injury bug will plague teams, and experienced quarterbacks will be at a premium, so it would be somewhat surprising if Zappe remains with the Chiefs through the conclusion of the season when teams begin to have voids at quarterback. Don't be surprised if he is picked up later in the season by a team that has lost their starting signal caller.

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