Jets Release Bailey Zappe as Backup Quarterback Competition Clarifies

Bailey Zappe has been released from the competition to be the backup quarterback for the New York Jets. Zappe, who started eight games for the New England Patriots in 2022 and 2023, was released along with defensive tackle Mazi Smith on Saturday, according to ESPN. Head coach Aaron Glenn has not officially named rookie Cade Klubnik as the primary backup to starter Geno Smith, but indications suggest the team is favoring Klubnik after he ran the second-team offense throughout the summer. Zappe and Brady Cook, who went winless as an undrafted rookie last season, were sharing third-team practice reps. Cook may be a candidate for the practice squad if he is released before the roster deadline on Sunday at 6 p.m., when the team must reduce its roster from 90 to 53 players. Zappe last started a game for the 2024 Cleveland Browns, completing two of five passes and taking two sacks in the preseason finale against the New York Giants. The Jets' depth chart may change if they decide to add a veteran quarterback, which could move Klubnik to third-string after his performance in the final two preseason games, including an interception against the Giants. The Jets signed Zappe in January with a one-year, $1.2 million contract that included no guaranteed money, resulting in no dead-cap charge. Geno Smith, a former first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, was part of the return in the Quinnen Williams trade last November and appeared in only three games last season, failing to secure a spot in the defensive line rotation during the preseason despite significant playing time.