Bailey Zappe’s grip on a Jets roster spot has slipped fast.
A month ago, there was still a real sense that the former Patriots quarterback might open the season as New York’s backup behind Geno Smith instead of Cade Klubnik. That picture looks a lot different now.
After an ugly preseason opener and another uncomfortable showing against the Steelers on Friday night, Zappe has put himself in a bad place. He did finish 6-of-8 for 68 yards and no turnovers, but the overall performance did not help his case.
So much for Zappe becoming the next Mac Jones, huh?
For now, the safest assumption is that Klubnik will be Smith’s backup. And if that’s the route the Jets take, they could technically keep just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, since the revised roster rules allow a practice squad player to enter the game as an emergency quarterback if needed.
But that would be a risky way to handle the position, especially with Smith’s age and Klubnik’s inexperience. New York would be better served keeping an eye on veterans who become available through final cuts or trades.
Brady Cook’s late-season run last year was enough to show he’s not the answer as a backup, either. There’s a reason those quarterbacks are labeled “emergency” options.
The Jets have already been linked to possible trade targets at the position, including the Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy. And even before the preseason began, Zappe probably would not have wanted to see his name in that mix.
If New York is serious about contending this season, there’s no obvious reason to hang onto Zappe as the third quarterback. He never created real pressure on Klubnik during the offseason, and Klubnik may have arrived at camp as the clear No. 2 despite being a fourth-round pick.
It’s not clear whether the Jets always planned for Klubnik to back up Smith. But their apparent “Russell Wilson or nothing” approach suggests the rookie they drafted was likely penciled in for the No. 2 job, with the front office prepared to reassess only if he faltered in camp.
Zappe did have his moments with the Patriots, and it’s never easy to completely rule out a quarterback. Nathan Peterman, of all people, was on a practice squad as recently as 2024. By that standard, plenty of teams would have taken Zappe over Peterman even before Peterman retired earlier this year.
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