Arguably the most surprising roster cut on Tuesday occurred out in Foxborough.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots have waived second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe. The 24-year-old won both his starts last season and had five touchdowns against only three interceptions.
With that, there is suddenly zero quarterback controversy in New England.
Patriots’ starter Mac Jones missed three games last season with an ankle injury. Zappe debuted in Week 4 of last season, taking over for starter Brian Hoyer after the veteran left that contest with a concussion.
Zappe played well in relief and nearly defeated Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. He won his next two starts (against the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns), to seemingly open up a QB controversy.
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But Bill Belichick curiously rolled with a struggling Jones the rest of the way. New England finished 8-9 and missed out on the postseason for the second time in three years.
There were rumors that the Patriots would look to trade the Alabama product and 2021 first-round pick in the offseason. But clearly, this option isn’t on the table with Belichick cutting his backup quarterback.
The Patriots open their 2023 season against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 10.
