2024 NFL Draft Bubble: Biggest Names That Could Be Cut | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Good backup quarterbacks typically don’t have to worry about their roster spots in August, as NFL teams typically place a high value on depth at the game’s most important position.

Bailey Zappe may not be considered a great starter, but with eight starts and a .500 record, he’s certainly a good backup. At times, he’s outplayed 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones by the New England Patriots.

Jones, however, is no longer in New England, and Zappe is the only holdover from last season. The Patriots brought in veteran Jacoby Brissett to be the bridge and used the third overall pick on Drake Maye.

With Brissett and Maye going nowhere, Zappe finds himself competing with rookie sixth-round pick Joe Milton III for the QB3 spot. Unfortunately for Zappe, he just doesn’t have the dual-threat ability, arm talent or wow factor of Milton, who finished his preseason debut 4-of-6 for 54 yards and a touchdown with 22 rushing yards.

If New England has its sights set on the 2024 playoffs, it might prefer the experienced, steady hand behind Brissett and Maye. But it’s rebuilding and would likely value a player with Milton’s long-term potential.

Assuming the Patriots keep only three quarterbacks on the roster, Zappe will likely be the odd one out. If Milton continues to perform as he did last Thursday, there’s no way New England can leave him on the practice squad.