Patriots waive Bailey Zappe, Malik Cunningham leaving Mac Jones as lone QB on roster

The New England Patriots have waived Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham, leaving Mac Jones as the only quarterback on their 53-man roster.

It’s a perplexing move on the surface, seeing that Zappe performed well when called upon to start in place of Jones last season, and with Cunnningham flashing his ability as a quarterback/receiver hybrid this preseason.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted the Patriots have interest in bringing Zappe back on their practice squad if he clears waivers. That, however, is the big question, and seems unlikely after he went 2-0 in two starts this past season. The 2022 fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky threw for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions on 70.7% passing across four total appearances.

After starting his career at Houston Baptist, Zappe transferred to Western Kentucky to close out his collegiate career. He led the FBS with 5,967 passing yards and 62 touchdowns in 2021, two NCAA single-season records. He was named Conference USA Most Valuable Player and First-Team All-C-USA after his historic season.

Cunningham, an undrafted free agent out of Louisville, completed 3-of-6 passes for 19 yards during the preseason. He added 39 yards on six carries and a score. As a receiver, he hauled in just one reception for minus-1 yard .

Should Zappe not make it through waivers, Colt McCoy is a possible option for New England. The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly released the veteran quarterback Monday, opting to roll with Joshua Dobbs and Clayton Tune.

Patriots rolling with Mac Jones at QB for third straight season

With Zappe and Cunningham out of the picture, it is officially the Jones show in New England for the third straight season. Like most of the Patriots’ offense, Jones struggled under the Matt Patricia/Joe Judge run offense last season. The 24-year-old threw for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on 65.2% passing.

Speaking with the media this offseason, Jones used the word “normal” to describe how things have gone with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

“It’s been really good. It’s been normal,” Jones said. “I think everything he’s done so far has been really good. I think the communication is the most important part, and trust… It starts with that when you’re with a new coach and he’s done a great job in controlling the room. I feel like everybody is on the same page.”