It was a shocker to everyone in the NFL world, especially New England Patriots fans when the team decided to cut backup quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Zappe played in a few games last season when starting quarterback Mac Jones was hurt. He became a fan favorite because of his play, however, before training camp ended, the Pats cut him. That said, they re-signed him to the practice squad a day later.
According to head coach Bill Belichick, they haven’t given up on Zappe. In fact, they want to develop him.
“All the roster decisions are based on what we feel like’s best for our football team,” Belichick said of Zappe on WEEI, via Boston.com. “There’s a number of things involved there. But glad to have Bailey to continue to work with him. Still think he’s a good, young, developing player, so we’ll keep working with him.”
Belichick not only cut Zappe but also Malik Cunningham. He then signed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral, another Patriots shocker.
The team may have also cut Zappe and regulated him to the practice squad to give Jones confidence going into this season. Belichick and Jones had a rocky relationship at the end of last season and fans were pushing for him to start Zappe over Jones, some still are. But clearly, they made their decision and are sticking to it.
