Former Patriots Quarterback Faces Uncertain Future

Former New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe is looking for work again.

The Kansas City Chiefs released Zappe ahead of final roster cuts, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Kansas City will move forward with Gardner Minshew as Patrick Mahomes’ backup, leaving Zappe on waivers with his NFL future uncertain.

Zappe, 26, entered the league as a fourth-round pick by New England in 2022. He opened his rookie year as the Patriots’ third-string quarterback behind Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer but eventually saw the field in relief duty.

Over nine career starts, he has completed 62.1 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

His time with the Patriots ended last August when he was waived during final cuts. Zappe resurfaced in Cleveland late in 2024, starting the regular-season finale and throwing for 170 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. That cameo was short-lived, and he later signed with Kansas City in March to compete for a backup role.

The competition proved decisive. Zappe appeared in all three preseason games for the Chiefs, completing 15 of 27 passes for 104 yards without a touchdown. Despite steady play, the organization leaned toward experience with Minshew to secure the No. 2 spot.

It is possible Zappe draws interest on the waiver wire from a team searching for depth, though the more likely outcome is a practice squad opportunity.

With multiple regular season starts with the Patriots under his belt, he remains a viable option for a franchise seeking an inexpensive backup.

Zappe’s NFL path has already seen twists in three seasons, and another opportunity could arrive soon.