The New England Patriots have reshuffled the deck at quarterback yet again. On Saturday morning, news emerged that the team cut quarterback Matt Corral and then re-signed notable backup Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Saturday morning, “The Patriots are signing QB Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster, per source. So after two weeks of drama, it appears New England is back to the original depth chart, and Zappe will back up Mac Jones on Sunday vs. the Eagles.”
The #Patriots are signing QB Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster, per source.
So after two weeks of drama, it appears New England is back to the original depth chart and Zappe will back up Mac Jones on Sunday vs. the #Eagles. pic.twitter.com/9w7MLbuH7I
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 9, 2023
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network later reported the corresponding move of Corral’s release. “The Patriots are releasing QB Matt Corral as the corresponding move,” Rapoport said.
The #Patriots are releasing QB Matt Corral as the corresponding move, source says. https://t.co/Si3KH3tGJ5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2023
New England sure took an interesting road to finally get here, but they have their roster all sorted out now. There have been questions at quarterback all offseason in Foxborough. The Patriots have dealt with question marks for Mac Jones and his backups, as Zappe’s status was on and off the last few days.
Going into the opener against Philadelphia, the Pats are definitely trending differently than they have in recent years. Then again, that’s what happens when you see Tom Brady depart. New England dealing with question marks at quarterback probably feels like vindication for much of the rest of the league, especially after how long the Patriots dominated the NFL.
The NFL world reacted to the Patriots quarterback news and had plenty to say.
So bizarre, releasing Corral also. Why not just keep Zappe in the first place? He was great last season https://t.co/nSpXZajAjd
— x- PLAYOFF PUSH TIME – BHGodlyGovt (@BHGodlyGovt) September 9, 2023
I’m not sure this means anything. Not saying Corral is the backup, but he doesn’t know the playbook so this is the safe mood. Whether it is permanent or not? We will see. https://t.co/FS9r1no7zM
— Anthony Curtis (@AnthonyCurtis68) September 9, 2023
ZappeHour is back https://t.co/iGFFbRX7Gt
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) September 9, 2023
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said last week he'd have interest in bringing Matt Corral back on the practice squad if he cleared waivers. https://t.co/zFIEY2rhlL
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 9, 2023
If no one claims Corral, I could see him back on the Patriots practice squad. It also wouldn’t be surprising if he had multiple options (back in Carolina as one) https://t.co/n5pBbubOv0
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 9, 2023
