Patriots sign QB Bailey Zappe to 53-man roster

The New England Patriots decided that having a backup quarterback on the 53-man roster is actually a pretty good idea. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reported that Bailey Zappe has been re-signed to a spot as the season opener approaches.

“The Patriots are signing QB Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster, per source,” Pelissero wrote. “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.”

Following the preseason, the Patriots released all quarterbacks except Mac Jones. It was a questionable decision, one that drew plenty of attention. But, ultimately, the team bumped Zappe back onto the 53-man roster.

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

Jones still enters New England’s Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles as the starter. But, should anything happen to the quarterback, the Patriots won’t be scrambling to put someone under center.

Zappe enters his second season in the NFL in 2023, having served in a back-up role for New England last season. The former Western Kentucky star played in four games for the Patriots as a rookie, making two starts. He owns a 2-0 record in that spot.

Zappe threw for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions in his appearances for the Patriots. He completed more than 70% of his passes.

Jones is in his third year with the organization and owns a 16-15 record as the team’s starter.

Bill Belichick comments on Mac Jones’ improvement

The third year for a quarterback in the NFL can be a make-or-break season. That’s certainly a lot of weight to place on the shoulders of Jones, but head coach Bill Belichick seems to have faith in his gunslinger.

“Mac’s had a really solid spring and camp,” Belichick said on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show. “Very similar to what we talked about with [wide receiver Kendrick] Bourne. Out there every day, ready to go. [He’s] in excellent physical condition and, I would say, made a lot of improvement over the course of the spring and training camp in reads, decision-making and timing, getting more work timing with the guys he’s throwing to.

“He seems like he — again, similar to what we talked about with KB — had a good camp, works hard, ready to go. I’m looking forward to the season here with Mac.”

A season ago, Jones threw for 2,997 yards and 14 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.