The New England Patriots had a busy day of roster changes on Tuesday, waiving quarterback Bailey Zappe.
Zappe joined the team as a fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky University in 2022. He made his rookie debut and started in two games, throwing for 781 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions that year.
Then, after the team decided to bench former first-round draft pick Mac Jones, the quarterback got a big break, playing in six games in 2023. He played in 10 total games with the Patriots, throwing for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The additions of Jacoby Brissett, Drake May and Joe Milton III made it unlikely he’d make the roster, and he seemed like an outlier in training camp.
Twitter erupted in fierce reactions to Zappe’s release, and we’ve picked out some of the best ones.
The Patriots have finally waived quarterback Bailey Zappe. Let’s hope this is true and he doesn’t end up on the practice squad again.
— Mark Farinella (@FarinellaMark) August 27, 2024
The Patriots officially “fired” and waived quarterback Bailey Zappe early today. Zappe Hour is over… No more “Don’t worry, it’s Zappe”… Well, that’s it.
Seriously, good luck to all of you at #4, MAYE DAY is here… you’ve all moved up to #10. pic.twitter.com/2ihcqJyp1u
— Patriots617🏈 (@Patriots6one7) August 27, 2024
Bailey Zappe joins the Niners (LOL)
— Arlis Martinez (@ArlisMJ1) August 27, 2024
Anyone who still thinks Bailey Zappe is brilliant needs to stop using hard drugs.
— Bill Leach (@BillLeach15) August 27, 2024
Bailey Zappe, you’re a Minnesota Viking!
— Ives (@k1ngibes) August 27, 2024
Zappe fever was more about rejecting Mac Jones than it was about believing in Bailey Zappe.
— ChessOrCheckers (@kealeyma) August 27, 2024
Damn, Bailey Zappe got zapped.
— Corey Waldron (@Just_KWal) August 27, 2024
Why do some people #Patriot Fans really hated Bayley Zappe.
It doesn’t make much sense.
— Spencer (@SpeaksSports) August 27, 2024
I think he’ll have some suitors in teams looking for an experienced third baseman, and a guy like Minney might come calling.
— Brian (@BGauvin23) August 27, 2024
He’s just as good, if not better, than the other reserves and will be taken immediately.
— Brian Cook (@cookienofilter) August 27, 2024
Terrible decision. If Brissett gets hurt, Zapped should be the next starter. Maye shouldn’t be playing and risking serious injury on such a terrible team. If Maye is a prospect, the offensive line needs to be better.
— Tank General JD (@jarekkajd) August 27, 2024