Kansas City, Here Bailey Zappe Comes (to the Practice Squad)

Bailey Zappe’s tenure with the New England Patriots was unique. And now, after two-plus years with the franchise, it has officially come to an end. Zappe cleared waivers on Wednesday. He then chose to sign with the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs.

An old football adage is the most popular player on a football team is the backup quarterback. Everyone assumes they’d do better than a struggling starter if given the opportunity. Sometimes a backup gets an opportunity, proves everyone right, and develops a fanatical following. Other opportunities make it clear why they were on the sideline. Zappe experienced all of the above in his relatively short tenure in New England.

New England drafted Zappe in the fourth round (No. 137 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He posted incredible numbers playing collegiately for Western Kentucky. Zappe led Conference-USA in all significant passing categories and was named confernce’s 2022 Most Valuable Player. He started the season as third on the depth chart. But injuries to Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer led Bailey Zappe to see his first NFL action in Week 4 of his rookie season. He started his first game a week later. Zappe impressed.

Also Read – Dan Kelley: New England’s 2024 Starting QB Is Not on the Roster

Zappe Mania

Bailey Zappe was selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 137 overall) out of Western Kentucky. Zappe began his rookie season as third string, behind both Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, but was pressed into game action in Week 4 of the season against Green Bay. In Week 5 he made his first career start. The results were impressive.

Zappe became the first rookie quarterback to win his first two NFL starts while posting a QB Rating of 100+ in each game during the Super Bowl Era. Mac Jones returned to start the following week against the Bears. Zappe fans voiced their displeasure. The Patriots brought Zappe in relief against Chicago but his magical run came to an end. It was his last game action of 2022.

Return to Earth

New England gave Bailey Zappe a longer look in 2023, due in large part to the struggles of starter Mac Jones.. Unfortunatley, Zappe was unable to replicate his rookie magic. In 2022 Zappe completed 70.7% of his passes while throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions. Zappe completed only 59.9% of his passes in 2023 while throwing six touchdown passes against nine interceptions.

Pro Football Focus gave Bailey Zappe a 52.2 grade for the year in 2023, down from 67.1 as a rookie. For perspective, anything below 60.0 is viewed as being replaceable by a non-roster player. Mac Jones received a 52.2 last season as well, explaining a lot of the New England Patriots’ problems. Atlanta’s Desmond Ridder (51.9) was the only qualified quarterback to receive a lower grade than the Patriots pair throughout the NFL in 2023.

Fresh Start

New England opted for a fresh start at quarterback in 2024. New England signed Jacoby Brissett in free agency. They drafted Drake Maye No. 3 overall, then added Joe Milton III in Round 6. This sent Zappe, who finished 2023 as the Patriots starting quarterback, down to fourth on the depth chart.

Not only did the New England Patriots need a fresh start at quarterback, but it appears Bailey Zappe did as well. In opting to join the Kansas City Chiefs, he joins a winning franchise with a chance to win another Super Bowl this season. He can play for Andy Reid, who enjoys a successful track record of working with quarterbacks throughout his coaching career. Zappe also gets to share a quarterback room with Patrick Mahomes, currently the league’s premier QB. The move both Zappe and the Patriots appears to be a win-win situation.