Insider Sheds Light On Patriots Cutting Bailey Zappe

The New England Patriots shocked the world by leaving just one quarterback in their 53-man roster before the start of the season.

Not that keeping Mac Jones as the undisputed starter was a surprise by any means, but not having a backup is an unorthodox, classic Bill Belichick move.

That’s why some speculated that there could be some off-field issues with presumed backup Bailey Zappe that led to his release.

Some stated that this was a way to tell Jones that they fully trusted him and that he didn’t need to be worried about his job’s security.

However, Patriots insider Tom E. Curran doesn’t think that’s the case at all.

Talking at NBC Sports Boston, Curran said that the only reason they cut Zappe is that he simply wasn’t good enough to start the season as Jones’ backup.

“I don’t think at all. We’re going to find out when we see who they bring in.”@tomecurran shuts down idea that there was an off-field component to the #Patriots waiving Bailey Zappe pic.twitter.com/VyFXw0QVbs

— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 31, 2023

He believes the decision was strictly motivated by football, stating that we could get some more clarity on it depending on who they bring to replace him.

It’s not like they’ll enter the season without a serviceable backup, and he thinks they’re going to go after who could actually challenge and push Jones.

He pointed out Davis Mills as a potential candidate, especially considering he’s a former second-round pick, and he almost beat the Patriots with a subpar supporting squad.

Jones might not be in the clear after all, according to Curran; it’s just that Bailey Zappe was never a real threat to take his starting spot in the first place.

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Patriots Receiver Sends A Message To The Rest Of The NFL