Key Takeaways:
– Bailey Zappe could be the next player to be cut from the New England Patriots.
– Zappe made a promising start, but his performance faltered; receives criticism on his conditioning and approach.
– Despite prediction, veteran Jacoby Brissett does not see Zappe as an assured cut.
– All QBs – Brissett, Zappe, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton express their intention to win the starting job.
In a recent turn of events, speculation is rife that the New England Patriots may part ways with their incumbent quarterback, Bailey Zappe. Despite being a crucial part of the Bill Belichick tenure, changes in the team dynamics mark Zappe as a potential departure.
Zappe’s Possible Exit
As per expert analysis, maintaining four quarterbacks in the roster seems unlikely for the Patriots. Thus, with veteran NFL free-agent Jacoby Brissett, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye and another notable player, Joe Milton helming the quarterback room, Zappe may face an abrupt exit from the team. Further cementing this speculation, renowned sports analyst David Kenyon recognized Zappe as a likely cut in his report “The Best Player Who Could Still Be Cut from Every NFL Roster In 2024 Offseason.”
Patriots’ Dilemma at the QB Position
Initially, Zappe made noticeable strides as a rookie when he substituted for injured Jones. He managed to turn the team’s fortune from a disappointing 1-3 start to back-to-back victories. However, Zappe’s movement to the bench on Jones’s return courted controversy.
Zappe’s stint last season was far less impressive. His approach and conditioning stirred dissatisfaction among the Patriots’ coaches, leading to his demotion to the practice squad. As the Jones struggled, Zappe made six starts and accomplished a 2-4 record. Although he led the Patriots to secure victories against the Steelers and the Broncos, his overall performance remained less than satisfactory. Given the Patriots’ pivot to Drake Maye and their faith in Jacoby Brissett as a reliable backup, Zappe’s future in the roster seems uncertain.
Opposing Views on Zappe’s Prospects
While many predict a tough road ahead for Zappe, Jacoby Brissett, the anticipated Week 1 starter, speaks in his favor. Brissett does not see Zappe as a definite exit and even makes a spirited defense of Zappe’s qualities as a starting quarterback.
He claims that Zappe, along with himself, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton, are keen on winning the starting job and have been competing every day to deliver the best performance. Brissett emphasizes that this fortitude to compete to be the team’s main quarterback is crucial for the organization’s betterment. He concludes, adding that he believes Zappe is cognizant of his potential and is striving to prove it efficiently.
As the NFL season progresses, it remains to be seen how the quarterback dynamics at the Patriots pan out. Whether Zappe stays as part of the Patriots or takes the exit route, his fate is tightly entwined with the team’s final decisions. Will the Patriots be reshuffling their quarterback room? Can Zappe overturn his critics and make a triumphant return? The