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The New England Patriots made a somewhat shocking decision yesterday.
In yet another of Bill Belichick’s unique ways, they decided to keep just one quarterback on their 53-man roster: Mac Jones.
They parted ways with both Malik Cunningham and Bailey Zappe, who was presumed to compete with Jones for the starting job.
However, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Pats aren’t done with Zappe just yet.
The Patriots are planning for their backup QB to be Bailey Zappe if he clears waivers and makes it to practice squad. Otherwise they’re working through a list of who will be available, league sources tell me and @jeffphowe
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 30, 2023
Russini reports that the Patriots intend to bring him back if he clears waivers and get him on the practice squad, but they’re also working on a list of potential options in case that doesn’t happen.
Belichick stated that everybody would get a chance to play this season, and with all the reports about his alleged feud with Mac Jones, some thought the position could be up for grabs.
Jones was on the field with the first team throughout the entire training camp, so his job didn’t seem in jeopardy despite Belichick’s words, but Zappe still looked like a lock to make the roster, especially after going 2-0 as a fill-in starter last season.
Notably, NFL analyst Craig Carton claimed that this is just another one of Bill Belichick’s signature mind games, stating that this is just a way to uplift Mac Jones before the start of the season.
And while he might be right, it doesn’t make that much sense if they still have to find another quarterback to back him up anyway.
But hey, who are we to question his methods?
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