The Cleveland Browns have signed Bailey Zappe to replace Deshaun Watson, who is out for the season due to injury. Zappe, previously with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, was originally a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 draft. The 25-year-old, a former standout at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky, began his NFL career as the Patriots’ third-string quarterback behind Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer. He made his debut in week four of 2022 after injuries sidelined both Jones and Hoyer.
Zappe, who had faded from the spotlight, now has a new opportunity in Cleveland. The Browns lost Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Watson’s backup, also suffered a finger injury, leaving Jameis Winston, the team’s third quarterback, to finish the game. Winston could potentially start the next game against the Baltimore Ravens if Thompson-Robinson is unable to play.
During his two-year stint with the Patriots, Zappe played in 14 games, starting in eight. He threw for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with a 63.7% completion rate. After being released last summer following a Patriots roster overhaul, Zappe joined the Chiefs.
Though still young at 25, Zappe brings valuable experience to the Browns, where head coach Kevin Stefanski is looking for solutions as the team sits at a league-worst 1-6 record. Stefanski acknowledged Watson’s tough injury but emphasized his faith in the quarterback, while focusing on the immediate task at hand.
