Insider explains why Patriots cut Bailey Zappe

There's more information about why the New England Patriots waived quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham earlier this week before both were re-signed to the practice squad. 

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that the Patriots initially needed roster spots to move players to short-term injured reserve. Breer added that Zappe, in particular, "didn’t have a great summer" working under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. 

"Last year, (offensive assistants) Matt Patricia and Joe Judge actually did a pretty good job of getting Zappe playing fast and confident, in a simpler system that was a little closer to what he did at Western Kentucky," Breer wrote. ". ...O’Brien...went back to an offense closer to what New England’s traditionally done (with a lot of responsibility on the quarterback), and one that better leverages (starter) Mac Jones’s strengths. And as they did that, Zappe became less of a fit." 

Zappe filled in as a rookie last season when Jones was sidelined with a high ankle sprain and completed 65 of 92 pass attempts (70.7%) for 781 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions across four games and two starts. 

The 2022 fourth-round draft pick hoped to receive a legitimate opportunity to compete with Jones for the starting job this summer but instead seemingly has fallen well behind the 2021 first-round draft choice as part of O’Brien's system. 

"...For now, with the offense O’Brien is building for Jones, the QB-scheme marriage is wonky with Zappe," Breer continued. "And remember the underlying thing here, which is the job of a backup quarterback is different than the job of a starter. No one’s building an offense for the backup. The backup has to fit the offense built for the starter, so he can effectively pinch-hit without the coaches having to turn everything upside down on the other 10 guys in huddle." 

The Patriots must pick up or decline the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract next spring, so it makes sense they'd be all-in on seeing what the 24-year-old is and/or isn't this fall. 

While either Zappe or Cunningham theoretically could see playing time if Jones suffers an injury or looks downright awful this season, it's worth mentioning the Patriots claimed 2022 third-round draft pick Matt Corral off waivers from the Carolina Panthers this week.