Zappe Clears Waivers, Returns to the Patriots

Ian Logue

3 months ago at 1:01 pm ET

Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports

If the Patriots did plan on bringing back Bailey Zappe, it looks like the risk they took by waiving him on Tuesday worked out in their favor.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the young quarterback successfully cleared waivers, and the New England Patriots have since brought him back to the practice squad.

After waiving both Zappe and Malik Cunningham on Tuesday, initial reports have said that the club had done so with the intent on bringing both back into the fold if they each successfully cleared waivers.

One day later, both are back, which now at least gives them some depth behind Mac Jones as they continue figuring out whatever their plan may be at the quarterback spot behind him moving forward.

Other reports that have come out have claimed while the Patriots would like to keep Zappe as their backup, their preference is to bring a veteran in behind Jones, although it’s tough to say who that might ultimately be.

In the meantime, it appears the Patriots are still exploring their options, but with Zappe now having cleared waivers, it should at least put people’s minds at ease that they have someone with knowledge of the offense sitting behind Jones.

Former defensive back Jason McCourty likely isn’t surprised Zappe returned, as he talked about the situation on Good Morning Football. McCourty felt pretty confident Zappe was coming back rather than for the club completely moving on from him to pursue a veteran.

“I don’t see Bill going for one of those guys,” said McCourty. “There’s a few young guys that were released, like a Tommy DeVito with the Giants, but you have a young Bailey Zappe, so why trade him in for another young guy? So it took me to the point where I’m like, ‘Bailey Zappe’s coming back at some point.”

“This is no different than 2021. Mac Jones becomes the starter, Cam Newton’s released, Brian Hoyer’s released, and then Hoyer’s brought the next day on the practice squad eventually to be elevated. Yes, they’re gambling a little bit here, Bailey Zappe could get picked up on waivers, but I think this is a move where they’re trying to do some other things on the roster. Some other guys might have had to make the initial team and then be placed on IR where they can come back later in the season.”

“I expect Bailey Zappe to be back in the building and for him to be Mac Jones’ backup.”