Patriots reportedly waive QBs Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham

Patriots

Mac Jones is at present the lone quarterback on New England’s roster.

The Patriots are reportedly right down to only one quarterback on their depth chart.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have waived backup quarterback Bailey Zappe, with Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweeting minutes later that fellow QB/WR Malik Cunningham has additionally been waived. 

With fellow signal-caller Hint McSorley additionally minimize on Monday, Mac Jones stands because the lone quarterback on New England’s 2023 roster. Invoice Belichick and his employees will now be on the seek for one other backup choice behind Jones.

“Zappe Fever” significantly cooled off this summer time, with the 2022 fourth-round decide going from a mid-season starter final yr to a roster-cut casualty after a lackluster exhibiting throughout coaching camp and preseason play.

With Jones incomes nearly all the reps with New England’s first-team offense throughout camp, Zappe struggled to stack collectively constructive observe days beneath middle.

In response to MassLive.com’s Mark Daniels, Zappe accomplished 64 % (160-of-252) of his passes to go together with seven interceptions in 11-on-11 drills this summer time. Zappe earned nearly all of the snaps throughout New England’s preseason finale towards the Titans final Friday, however didn’t impress. Together with finishing simply 8 of 15 passes, Zappe fumbled the ball 3 times. 

Zappe carried out admirably final season after getting pressed into NFL motion as a rookie, taking on as New England’s QB for a four-game stretch with each Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer injured. He accomplished 65 of his 92 passes (70.7% completion share) with 5 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Nonetheless, Zappe’s dip in play this yr and his struggles to regulate to Invoice O’Brien’s reworked offense put him on the surface wanting in at New England’s 53-man roster.

Cunningham’s distinctive skillset as a gadget participant was placed on full show throughout his standout fourth-quarter efficiency towards the Texans in New England’s preseason opener. 

However among the momentum he generated in that debut dissipated over the previous few weeks, particularly as Cunningham’s reps at QB have began to dry up.

After not taking any snaps beneath middle on Aug. 19 towards the Packers, he solely took half in two collection within the third and fourth quarters towards the Titans. As QB, Cunningham went 0-for-2 on the throws, whereas additionally gaining one yard on the bottom.

Given his struggles to regulate to his new place at vast receiver, Cunningham was going to have an uphill climb making the preliminary 53-man squad.

Nonetheless, Karen Guregian of MassLive.com did tweet that the Patriots will attempt to hold each Zappe and Cunningham on their observe squad in the event that they clear waivers. 

Cunningham might maintain worth as a helpful scout-team QB and may profit from extra reps as he tries to become a flexible asset within the NFL. Nonetheless, his athleticism and potential might make him a goal for an additional staff to pluck him off waivers.