The New England Patriots are reportedly releasing former starting quarterback Bailey Zappe, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.
Zappe seemed to be on borrowed time in New England with the additions of veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, along with rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.
Brissett has been viewed as the bridge starter for Maye, who was selected with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft. That immediately put Zappe in direct competition with the team’s sixth-round pick at quarterback, Milton.
While Zappe had a clear experience edge, Milton’s off-the-chart athletic traits and physical abilities were far too intriguing to give the former Patriots starter much of a fighting chance.
It’s important to keep in mind that Zappe didn’t make the initial 53-man roster last year, either. He was re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad and eventually elevated back to the main roster.
This move comes ahead of the 53-man roster cut deadline set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The Patriots cut 14 players on Monday, and they are already hard at work putting the finishing touches on their 2024 roster.