After New England Patriots Release Bailey Zappe, Who Will Start At QB?

NFL teams must get their rosters down to 53 players, which can lead to difficult personnel decisions.

This week, the New England Patriots released quarterback Bailey Zappe and will carry Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III as the three signal-callers on their roster. Zappe played in ten games last season for New England, rotating with Mac Jones for the starting spot. The Western Kentucky alum had an uphill battle to make the roster as New England selected two QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he did not commit a turnover during fall camp. First-year Pats QB coach T.C. McCartney spoke highly of Zappe’s professionalism in a challenging environment.

“Bailey’s been a pro’s pro. He’s been in some tough situations here over the years. Tough situation when you go in for your first preseason game [this year] and they boo. He’s been the same guy every day, and he’s had a really good camp. He’s gotten a lot better from Phase 2 [of the offseason] when I first saw him. I’ve been impressed.”

With the quarterback room complete, new head coach Jerod Mayo must decide who will start the games under center. For most preseason and training camp, the prevailing belief was that Brissett would be the starter in week one. However, Maye, the third overall pick in the draft in April, closed the preseason well and played his way into the conversation to leapfrog the veteran.

2024 should be a rebuilding year for the Pats. The team has the second-longest Super Bowl odds and traded their best pass rusher, Matthew Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons two weeks ago. Most expect that Maye will eventually take the offense’s reins, but with a lack of skill and talent, it may be best for Brissett to start and not stunt the former UNC alumni’s growth.