Patriots Cut Fan-Favorite Quarterback Before Deadline

As NFL training camps wrap up, NFL teams must get down to a 53-man roster by 4 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, August 27.

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, who quickly became a fan favorite after leading the Patriots to two wins in his two starts in 2022, was waived by the team on Tuesday. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported the news.

If he clears waivers, Zappe would be eligible to sign with any NFL team as a free agent.

This latest cut by New England leaves the Patriots with three quarterbacks on the depth chart: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III.

First-year head coach Jerod Mayo has yet to commit to a starting quarterback for Week 1, though Brissett and Maye are the frontrunners.

The now-25-year-old first saw NFL action during the Patriots' Week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers during the 2022 season. He came in to relieve a struggling Brian Hoyer, who only started because Mac Jones was hurt. Zappe almost led New England to a comeback win, going 10-for-15 with 99 yards and a touchdown.

He got his moment in the sun though, starting two games for New England in Weeks 5 and 6, going 41-for-55 with a combined 497 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The Patriots won both of those games against the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

However, in 2023, Zappe came crashing down to Earth. He started the final six games for New England, finishing with a record of 2-4 and throwing more interceptions (7) than touchdowns (6).

Related: Jerod Mayo Confuses Fans With Comment on Patriots Quarterbacks