Gronk Analyzes QB Problem for Bills Rival Patriots

As the Patriots try to rebuild their way back into contention in an AFC East long ruled by the Bills, Rob Gronkowski has a suggestion: Clean out the QB room.

During an appearance on FS1's "First Things First," Gronk offered his thoughts on his former team, saying that top rookie quarterback Drake Maye needed to play more for the Patriots during their preseason opener and that they have too many quarterbacks on their depth chart.

There is No. 3 overall pick Maye, plus vet Jacoby Brissett, plus Joe Milton and Bailey Zappe.

"My hot take is that Bailey Zappe needs to be free. They have to either let him go or they have to trade him," Gronkowski said . "He's taking away reps from Drake Maye and Joe Milton. Bailey Zappe is not going to be on that team by the end of training camp. Bailey Zappe needs to be free so he can go to another team and show what he has."

Zappe, a former fourth-round pick and one of former coach Bill Belichick's "experiments,'' has appeared in 14 games for the Patriots over the past two seasons. He has completed 63.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

He figures as a viable No. 3 quarterback ... but Milton has looked interesting this summer and Brissett might end up being the bridge starter while Maye is readied.

But again, Gronk thinks what is best for the Patriots is that Maye get ready now ... and that the Pats get some of his obstacles out of the way.