The New England Patriots' roster juggling paid off.
Mac Jones is their starter, and they gambled on Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham being released, unclaimed, and re-signed.
Evan Lazar of Patriots.com said Zappe's camp was 'blindsided' by my word. We were as surprised as you.
Zappe is back in New England, but he's not competing with Jones for the top position anymore.
The Patriots have put Zappe on the practice squad with Cunningham and former Panthers third-round selection Matt Corral, who is anticipated to compete for New England's QB2 slot.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media: "Mac Jones is still the 53-man starter but not the only quarterback.
My impression is that Corral and Zappe will battle for backup.
All four engaged QBs are "young," and the three players below Jones are "fliers" who were picked.
All four engaged QBs are "young," and the three players below Jones are "fliers" who were picked.
The fact that Bill Belichick considers competition healthy? Zappe and the other No. 2 contenders won't be "blindsided" by it.