Time To Move On From Zappe and Shuster

[203Pat]

Polk and Baker need to go take those reps by proving to be better and even then Juju has value providing reps to whatever DBs he does match up against even after he gets beat out by Polk and Baker.

Zero cap savings and little draft capital in return then why not still use them in camp and see what happens? Don't let hate and anger cloud your judgement it is not the Jedi way.

I fully admit I just don't like Juju and that is why I want him gone lol. I do agree that ideally Polk and Baker push Juju down the depth chart and then off the roster altogether if everyone stays healthy.

 

[Real fan 02]

A couple of other reasons to move on from Zappe:

1) Zappe's experience here is not as valuable, because we ran a completely different scheme.
2) The new scheme relies on big armed quarterbacks like Milton, Maye and Brissett. Zappe is a very different player than all the other QBs on the roster.

Shuster I'm not sure yet. I'm intrigued by his comments stating that he feels 100% when he only felt 60% at best last year. Want to see how he looks in TC.

Agree. I believe the way Mayo's looking at it is zappe is an emergency situation QB. He'll probably end up on the practice squad. I believe Brissett, Drake and Milton will be the QB room.

Brissett is very valuable as he's played in the offense. Drake and Milton this will be the only NFL offense they will be learning.

Juju just needs to show he's really what he says he is..100%.. he brings valuable experience, champion pedigree to the WR room. Due to his contract I'd say he's here at least through this season.

 

[rkarp1]

does anyone believe Zippy is still here because;
-the Pats are unsure about Milton being an NFL QB?
-the Pats are unsure about Maye's readiness to get on the field Sept 1 if need be?
-the Pats are unsure if Brissett is a viable starter in the NFL?

 

[chasa]

nobody else in the league wants zappe

We can cut him and he wont get picked up by anyone. Better to do it now before the offense is fully implemented then wait

 

[borg]

Slotting Milton as #2 is full blown dementia
Ryan Mallet concurs

A year from now the Milton discussion will include the words "tight end project"

The Ouija Board is never wrong

 

[turkeyneck]

Zappe - too soon

JJSS - not soon enough

 

[Brotherblues]

What is moving on from Zappe supposed to accomplish? They can ignore him completely and he'll fulfill his QB3 duties.

He has no effect on AVP and McAdoo's workload. Unlike Milton.

 

[stinkypete]

does anyone believe Zippy is still here because;
-the Pats are unsure about Milton being an NFL QB?
-the Pats are unsure about Maye's readiness to get on the field Sept 1 if need be?
-the Pats are unsure if Brissett is a viable starter in the NFL?

This.

If Brisset gets hurt week 5, and he has a track record for getting hurt, we need someone in the room who can start in a pinch. Unless you are ok with throwing Maye to the wolves, or watching Milton hurl passes into the 200's section, you need Zappe.

I think Zappe's status is our window into Maye's timeline. If Zappe makes the team, Maye is sitting for at least half the year. If Zappe gets cut, then the team feels Maye is ready.

 

[Pape]

You keep Zappe. He is the only legit back up to Brisket on the roster. Milton is a practice squad player. Period.

Maye is so far behind the 8-ball, that him starting this year should not be a consideration. Regardless of how "great" he looks in the otas...

I mean, really, you want Maye, with all his un-corrected mechanical flaws, learning a new offensive system, starting in a new offense which hasn't done well in the OTAs, with an OC who's never called a single play in a live game, with a novice head coach who lacks experience, without a legit left tackle, playing in a live game, in a non-mop up role?

if you do, jfc, wtf? You want to ruin Maye already?

 

[sb1]

Any trade that gets us as much as a bag of footballs for Zappy smurf is a fleecing.

 

[sb1]

nobody else in the league wants zappe

We can cut him and he wont get picked up by anyone. Better to do it now before the offense is fully implemented then wait

Best they cut him soon. McDonald’s is hiring in the summer.

 

[Force Zero Boomer]

They may do well elsewhere, or not. For us, it is time to move on.

ZAPPE
I suppose we could keep him until the end of camp, in case of an injury, but that isn't the Patriot Way. I think that Maye is more ready than we think. Also, Milton could be the #2 if we don't want to put Maye on the field. What's the worst that would happen, another loss or two with Milton at QB?

Zappe will be Brissette's backup to start the season. There is no way that Milton plays ahead of Maye. Never going to happen. Maye will lose his sh*t.

*If* they decide they will only carry 3 QBs, then they either take the risk of sending Milton to the PS or Zappe gets cut and they roll with Maye as #2. But I think they go with 4 QBs, because Milton forces them into this odd situation. If they hadn't drafted Milton, clearly it would be Brissette, Zappe, then Maye to start. And if you don't want Zappe and think another vet QB should be the backup, fine. Replace "Zappe" in the argument above with whatever vet QB you'd like. But I cannot imagine the Pats entering the season with Maye as #2 given the uncertainty with the OL. There's just no reason to do it. There's nothing to gain and everything to lose. This year is about developing Maye, not throwing him to the lions. I bet they go with 4 QBs, although it's possible they go to 3 if the OL looks solid and Maye is ready.

 

[stcjones]

I think Milton should be 3rd string and at this point Zappe should go to PS or get cut…..too early to say on JuJu….maybe his knee really was banged up last year and he will be more effective this year!

 

[40yrpatsfan]

I think Zappe will have a long career in the league. He’s entering his 3rd year, has had some good games as a starter, good enough arm, handles pressure well, and has above average intangibles. He’s a poor man’s Brock Purdy. He’ll pick up this offense instantly, and is an ideal backup cause he’s always ready to go. I don’t know why we drafted Milton, he seems like the odd man out.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

Zappe will be Brissette's backup to start the season. There is no way that Milton plays ahead of Maye. Never going to happen. Maye will lose his sh*t.

*If* they decide they will only carry 3 QBs, then they either take the risk of sending Milton to the PS or Zappe gets cut and they roll with Maye as #2. But I think they go with 4 QBs, because Milton forces them into this odd situation. If they hadn't drafted Milton, clearly it would be Brissette, Zappe, then Maye to start. And if you don't want Zappe and think another vet QB should be the backup, fine. Replace "Zappe" in the argument above with whatever vet QB you'd like. But I cannot imagine the Pats entering the season with Maye as #2 given the uncertainty with the OL. There's just no reason to do it. There's nothing to gain and everything to lose. This year is about developing Maye, not throwing him to the lions. I bet they go with 4 QBs, although it's possible they go to 3 if the OL looks solid and Maye is ready.

This is a well reasoned post. Compared to last year there are much better options at the position. One way or another Maye and Brissett are on the roster. The two wildcards are Zappe's attitude adjustment to accept the backup role with no realistic chance of earning the starting role out of camp and Milton's ability to prove that he as the potential to be an NFL QB. So far it seems as if Zappe's issues with Mac may have been personal between the two and not reflective of him as a bad teammate who has an unrealistic view of his capability. He is a good safety net to have around if he continues to be a good citizen. He is not worth keeping if he has an attitude that impacts Maye's development.

To me the bigger question mark is Milton. He has proven to be as advertised as the rough prospect with the great arm. The character concerns about him being high maintenance and a partier do not bode well for him putting in the effort necessary to be successful. He may not make the team if he proves to be too much of a distraction. If he does show the right attitude and begins to make progress he may force the team to keep 4 QB's to avoid him from being picked off the PS.

 

[patman52]

They may do well elsewhere, or not. For us, it is time to move on.

ZAPPE
I suppose we could keep him until the end of camp, in case of an injury, but that isn't the Patriot Way. I think that Maye is more ready than we think. Also, Milton could be the #2 if we don't want to put Maye on the field. What's the worst that would happen, another loss or two with Milton at QB?

MILTON
Milton is a fine candidate to be our #2 for the next 3 years (2025-2027). The coaches do have a lot of work in front of them. They could hire another assistant coach if necessary to work with him. Milton needs to learn how to pass effectively in the short to intermediate range. The main thing is that he has lots and lots of talent and a year and half (one season and two training camps) to learn to be good enough to be our #2. If not, we'll sign a free agent next year or even draft another QB in the 6th round.

SCHUSTER
Let me say it. I think that Shuster can be a #2. He played injured last year. If we had a mediocre year last year, Schuster would simply be one of the WR's for 2024 and 2025. But we've really moved on, re-signing Bourne, signing Osborn, and having 4 youngsters who all could be part of the future: Douglas, Polk, Baker and Thornton. Six is more than enough. We even have Reagor and Boutte as longshots and likely candidates for the Practice Squad.

I would move him as soon as we can convince a team that he is healthy and we have an offer. I'm happy as long as the other team picks up $2M of Schuster's 2024 salary, giving us no cap effect (instead of the $2M cap effect if we cut him).

This is not the time to move on from either.

We need Zappe in case Brisset goes down in camp. We need a vet on the field in camp. He gets paid little so even if he gets hurt, little impact. Now Schuster the same, he is the only "pro" out there. His deal is guaranteed, so it is a sunk cost. Now after a couple of weeks in camp, a rec goes down somewhere on a contender we may be able to dump that deal and save 7 mill. and maybe swap a pair of late rd picks.. Now I think we should move on from Judon also, if he causes a disruption in his last year. He most likely will not be cost effective by the time the pats are ready to compete in two more off seasons. Ngakoe or Lawson will suffice during the rebuild. A dream would be Schuster and Judon for Higgins. Money wise it works for Cinci and it works for all three players.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think Zappe will have a long career in the league. He’s entering his 3rd year, has had some good games as a starter, good enough arm, handles pressure well, and has above average intangibles. He’s a poor man’s Brock Purdy. He’ll pick up this offense instantly, and is an ideal backup cause he’s always ready to go. I don’t know why we drafted Milton, he seems like the odd man out.

Back ups can make a good living in the NFL. Hoyer was a terrible QB and last 15 year's somehow. Purdy has everything perfe around him. I'd like to see him play with lesser players to see if he's really good or is it the weapons and Shannhan. Milton was drafted becuase wolf said he's just to talented to pass up.

 

[p8ryts]

This is not the time to move on from either.

We need Zappe in case Brisset goes down in camp. We need a vet on the field in camp. He gets paid little so even if he gets hurt, little impact. Now Schuster the same, he is the only "pro" out there. His deal is guaranteed, so it is a sunk cost. Now after a couple of weeks in camp, a rec goes down somewhere on a contender we may be able to dump that deal and save 7 mill. and maybe swap a pair of late rd picks.. Now I think we should move on from Judon also, if he causes a disruption in his last year. He most likely will not be cost effective by the time the pats are ready to compete in two more off seasons. Ngakoe or Lawson will suffice during the rebuild. A dream would be Schuster and Judon for Higgins. Money wise it works for Cinci and it works for all three players.

I like it. Do we really know that Jacoby is better than Bailey? Let's not be too eager to release or trade him. Let the summer play out. I believe Brissett has had some injury issues and I'm not counting on Milton other than the PS.

 

[Real fan 02]

I like it. Do we really know that Jacoby is better than Bailey? Let's not be too eager to release or trade him. Let the summer play out. I believe Brissett has had some injury issues and I'm not counting on Milton other than the PS.

Yes. I'd say Brissett is better than Zappe. Brissett while not an all pro caliber player ar the least he has been at different spots and had played well. Brissett has the edge on all the QBs by virtue of him playing for AVP and knows his offense.

However Drake is the most talented of all the QBS and should win the starting Job. But I agree with you. Hold on to Zappe and let it all play out in camp.

 

[doesntmatter1]

Zappe has had moments where he looked like a legit qb even when Matt was calling plays. His pocket movement was above average and maybe even good enough for Maye to emulate. I like Zappe more than most and see no reason to rush things.

Juju can kick rocks. I've never been impressed by him even when he was a Steeler. Last year was pathetic outside of his one good revenge game. Trade him to the Chiefs.