The quarterback situation for the New England Patriots is heating up with a fierce competition that’s brewing among its four quarterbacks, likely resulting in at least one of them being cut from the roster. Among Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Milton, and Bailey Zappe, the one likely to be released is Bailey Zappe. His exit from the Patriots, however, could be a quick turnaround as sources suggest the Miami Dolphins may pick him up shortly after.
The decision by the Dolphins appears driven by their need to solidify the backup quarterback position. Miami’s current backup options showed lackluster performance in a recent preseason clash against the Atlanta Falcons.
Mike White struggled significantly, completing only 4 of his 14 attempted passes for a mere 26 yards. Another backup, Skylar Thompson, didn’t fare much better, managing 8 completions on 19 attempts for 95 yards and throwing one interception.
Miami’s precarious backup quarterback scenario becomes more concerning considering they recently secured Tua Tagovailoa with a new contract as their starting quarterback. In this light, securing a more reliable backup like Zappe could be a critical move.
Zappe, during his stint with the Patriots, showcased his capability by stepping in effectively when needed. In the latest preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, he completed 12 of 20 passes for 108 yards.
Zappe’s overall performance also reflects his potential, with a career completion rate of 63.2% for 2,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. His ability to maintain offensive stability makes him a desirable candidate for the Dolphins, who would undoubtedly benefit from his skills, especially if Tagovailoa were unavailable.
This potential move could also stoke the competitive fires in the AFC East, where team dynamics can swiftly change the balance of power. The potential acquisition of Zappe would certainly add a layer of depth and reliability to Miami’s quarterback lineup, positioning them as a more robust team capable of contending strongly in the league.