Patriots add quarterback to practice squad adding pressure to Bailey Zappe

With two spots open on their practice squad, the Patriots took a look at a former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback. The Patriots hosted Ian Book on Wednesday for a workout, resulting in him signing a deal to join the team's practice squad.

So now, Book joins Malik Cunningham as the two quarterbacks on the practice squad. With this signing of Book, a certain backup quarterback should be feeling the pressure.

Bill Belichick stunned just about everyone when backup quarterback Bailey Zappe was waived. When Zappe was added back to the Patriots practice squad, he was expected to be elevated to the 53-man roster and stay on.

But, given that Belichick has waived Zappe once, who says he won't do it again?

Malik Cunningham impressed many throughout the preseason and training camp. But now, there's Ian Book. Book was a five-year player at the University of Notre Dame. During his four-year career, he improved each year except for his senior year in 2020 as the team was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic like everyone else.

His best year with the Fighting Irish was his first senior season with the team (redshirt senior season). Entering his first senior year, Book was coming off his first full season as the starter. Notre Dame was coming off of a college football playoff appearance, so it's safe to say expectations were high.

Ian Book delivered in his first senior season even though Notre Dame missed out on the college football playoff that season. It was a season to remember for Ian Book. At the end of the season, he threw for 3,034 yards, 34 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He finished the season with a 149.1 passer rating. It's safe to say that Book can bring it once he's comfortable in a system.

In the NFL, his talent hasn't transitioned... yet. Book spent his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints only appearing in one game where he completed 12 of 20 passes for 135 passing yards and two interceptions. In 2022, he didn't see the field.

So why should Bailey Zappe be feeling the pressure?

Belichick has two quarterbacks on the practice squad. If either one starts outperforming Zappe in practice, Belichick will do what he thinks is best for the team. Given that Zappe has been waived once, it's safe to say Belichick might not think Zappe can be a reliable backup for Mac Jones.

Even though Book is only on the practice squad, he has the potential to take away Zappe's job as the backup quarterback. Bailey Zappe shouldn't be comfortable in his current position.