Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye, and Joe Milton all saw action during the New England Patriots’ eighth training camp practice on Friday, but Bailey Zappe was notably absent from both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
For Zappe, the session marked a potential low point in what has been a challenging summer. Less than seven months after serving as the Patriots’ starting quarterback, his future with the team appears uncertain—a reality he seems to be grappling with.
“It’s hard,” Zappe admitted to reporters after practice. “You look back, started eight games last year. Obviously, you have that on your résumé—nobody’s going to forget that whether it’s here or elsewhere.”
Zappe expressed a strong desire to remain with the Patriots and contribute to the team’s success, regardless of his current role. “Obviously, I want to be here. I want to play here. I want to do everything I can to help this organization win. It is hard, but I’m trying to be the best teammate I can because that’s what’s best for this team and that’s how we can win games.”
Drafted in the fourth round in 2022, Zappe initially joined the Patriots as a backup to Mac Jones. When Jones suffered a high-ankle sprain early in Zappe’s rookie year, the rookie was thrust into action. He performed admirably, starting two games, but his stint as a starter was short-lived, with no further snaps after Jones’s return. Zappe was released before the 2023 roster cutdown but rejoined the team on the practice squad.
During the chaotic 2023 season, Zappe was given another chance to lead the offense, but his efforts were ultimately ineffectual as the team struggled to a 4-13 record. This offseason, the Patriots traded Jones and brought in three new quarterbacks: Jacoby Brissett, and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton. These moves have pushed Zappe further down the depth chart.
Despite initially being seen as a potential third-string quarterback, Zappe has been surpassed by Milton. As Brissett and Maye split reps on Friday, Zappe’s chances seem to be dwindling.
Remaining optimistic, Zappe shared his mindset: “Obviously, [Jerod] Mayo’s preaching quality over quantity. That’s kind of been my mindset going through this whole training camp. No matter if it’s five, or ten, or today none, I will do everything I can to help the team win as far as helping Jacoby out, helping Drake out after they go through their series.”
Zappe also noted his focus on improving his performance, particularly in avoiding turnovers. “My mindset going into this training camp was just to improve on the things that I struggled with last year as far as turning the ball over. Going into training camp now, I’ve been careful with the ball, haven’t had any turnovers.”
As the team gears up for further practices, Zappe remains hopeful for another chance to prove his value.
