Could Patriots’ QB Bailey Zappe see legit action in 2023?

Rookie Bailey Zappe played quite well for the Patriots in the 2022 season. Could he see legitimate action in the 2023 season?  If things aren’t going well for Mac Jones, I think Zappe could see some legitimate action for the New England Patriots.

The 2022 rookie was thrusted into the starting lineup in 2022 after injuries by Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer.  In four games, two of which starting, Zappe held his own, going 2-0 in starts and throwing five touchdowns against three interceptions for a 100.9 passer rating.

He seemed very comfortable in the offense and perhaps did enough last year to be considered for the QB2 job this season.  The one thing that I think can be in his way is if the team decides to bring in someone with a higher upside than Zappe.

For example, if the Patriots have themselves a strong offseason which could entail adding some chunk on the offensive line and at wide receiver, they could position themselves nicely in the AFC.  Part of this may also be adding some talent at the QB2 spot in case something goes wrong.

What if Jameis Winston is cut from the Saints?  Could see make sense as a high-end QB2?  I think so.  If not, Bailey Zappe appears to be in line to hold down that primary backup spot.

The way I could see him seeing legitimate action in 2023 is if the second year Mac Jones we saw ends up being who he now is as a passer.  I tend to think that he will turn it around a bit, but if there’s some iffy play from Jones, I’d think Bill Belichick and the offensive staff would at least have to consider putting Zappe in.

This would create quite the scenario with the organization, because if a team has two quarterbacks, they really have zero.

This would complicate things in the long-term for the team.  I think the most ideal scenario, obviously, is that Mac Jones takes a leap forward and is able to operate an offense with a legitimate playcaller.