Insider drops hint on Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe relationship amid QB battle

Paul Perillo works for the New England Patriots' official website and hinted that quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe aren't the best of friends these days. 

"I don’t think it’s a great one," Perillo said about the relationship between Jones and Zappe during a recent appearance on Boston radio station 98.5 The Sports Hub, per Adam London of NESN. "I think sometimes we overrate these things and state them a little too strong. But I have watched a little bit of the interaction, and it doesn’t seem like they’re really overly friendly on the field, on the practice field. I have noticed when they’re asked specific questions about their relationship, the answers from both sides are always in generalities — about the quarterback room, about the team." 

Zappe, a 2022 rookie, temporarily filled in last season when Jones was sidelined with a reported high-ankle sprain. Multiple in-the-know individuals later suggested this offseason that at least some New England players wished Zappe would've remained in the lineup last fall even when Jones was cleared to play. 

It was thought this past spring that Zappe could receive a legitimate opportunity to compete with Jones for the starting job as the two learned a system installed by new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. As recently as Monday evening, however, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated indicated Jones will be in the lineup when New England opens the upcoming regular season versus the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 10. 

"I don’t know if it’s a huge issue," Perillo added about what he's noticed regarding Jones and Zappe since the spring of 2022. "I do think it is something to watch. It’s kind of comical. When you listen to some of the answers, it’s kind of funny." 

One would think somebody connected to the Patriots wouldn't mention anything about this matter if it truly was a non-story. While Jones and Zappe certainly don't need to spend holidays together to help the club get back to the playoffs for the first time since January 2022, any tension in the quarterback room this summer can't be considered a positive for a club that OddsChecker currently projects is likely to finish last in the AFC East standings this season.