The Cleveland Browns are reportedly signing former New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It’s a move that follows Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s finger injury.
There’s a chance that Jameis Winston could start for the Browns against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, and that could mean Zappe will be the top backup for that game.
The Patriots selected Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He started in eight games for the organization and racked up 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
After two seasons with the team, he was caught up in the 53-man roster cuts before the start of the season and ultimately decided to sign with the Chiefs’ practice squad.
A new QB in Cleveland: The #Browns are signing Bailey Zappe off the #Chiefs practice squad, per sources.
With Deshaun Watson’s season over and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s status in flux, Jameis Winston could start Sunday vs. Baltimore and Zappe would back him up. pic.twitter.com/drBj6rtKEZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 22, 2024
Now, Zappe will have an opportunity to fly closer to the sun again as a top backup in the NFL. He has proven to be a solid option to go to in a pinch, even if things haven’t necessarily worked out for him as a starter.
It’s a good move for a Browns team desperate for help at the quarterback position.