Patriots Release Former Starter Amid Looming Quarterback Decision

The New England Patriots are reportedly waiving quarterback Bailey Zappe amid the looming decision on a starter for the upcoming 2024 NFL season, NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday (August 27).

"The #Patriots are waiving QB Bailey Zappe, per source," Pelissero wrote on his X account.

Zappe, 25, went 4-4 in eight starts for the Patriots during the past two seasons, which included going 2-4 and throwing for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions on 127 of 212 passing in 2023. The former Western Kentucky standout had competed with veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton during training camp.

"With several teams in the backup QB market, Bailey Zappe should have options. New England now has 3 QBs on the roster: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton," Pelissero wrote.

Maye was selected by the Patriots at No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, while Milton was selected at No. 193 overall in the sixth-round. Maye threw for a team-best 126 yards and one touchdown on 13 of 20 passing, while Milton threw for 78 yards on 5 of 17, during Sunday's (August 25) preseason loss to the Washington Commanders.

Brissett began his career with the Patriots, making two starts during his rookie season amid Tom Brady 's four-game suspension in relation to the Deflategate scandal and backup Jimmy Garoppolo 's Week 2 injury. The former NC State standout was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts in a trade with the Patriots the following season after starter Andrew Luck suffered an injury and started 15 of 16 games prior to stints with the Miami Dolphins (2021), Cleveland Browns (2022) and Washington Commanders (2023).

Brissett enters his ninth NFL season with 10,574 yards, 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions on 981 of 1,600 passing, as well as 915 yards and 15 touchdowns on 230 rushing attempts.