Browns to sign former Patriots QB

The Browns are making an addition in need of a healthy depth option at quarterback. Cleveland is set to sign Bailey Zappe off the Chiefs’ practice squad, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Deshaun Watson is out for the year with a torn Achilles, leaving the team with Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston at the quarterback position. Thompson-Robinson took over for Watson on Sunday but suffered a finger injury and was forced to exit the contest. It remains to be seen when the 2023 fourth-rounder will next be available, so Zappe could find himself dressing as the backup as early as Week 8.

The 25-year-old began his career with the Patriots, making a pair of starts during his rookie campaign. His promise during that spell proved to be short-lived, though, and he was briefly out of the organization ahead of last season. Zappe was brought back, and with Mac Jones struggling, he finished off the year atop New England’s depth chart. Despite having eight starts to his name, Zappe again found himself on the outside looking this past summer as the Patriots waived him. They have moved forward with veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton under center.

The Chiefs acted quickly by signing Zappe to their practice squad. That move added depth behind Patrick Mahomes and new backup Carson Wentz, who signed in free agency to take on QB2 duties. Both passers have remained healthy this season, leaving Zappe without a clear path to a place on the 53-man roster. He will head to Cleveland to compete for a spot on the team’s roster even after Thompson-Robinson is healthy. Zappe has completed 63.2% of his passes while throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11) and adding sparse production in the running game.

Those figures are not encouraging, but this move will give him a fresh start at the NFL level. The Western Kentucky product could earn a stay beyond 2024 with the Browns if he sees playing time and delivers solid performances. If not, how Cleveland proceeds in the offseason will become even more uncertain, with Watson not being assured of the starting gig once he is healthy.

Winston will likely be in line to make his first start of the year as Thompson-Robinson continues to recover. The 1-6 Browns sit last in the NFL in total offense and 29th in scoring, and whichever quarterbacks are used moving forward will look to usher in improvement on that side of the ball (something which could be feasible with Nick Chubb now healthy). Cleveland will look to end Baltimore’s five-game winning streak in Week 8 with a notably different-looking QB room.