Bailey Zappe
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - Bailey Zappe (#4) of the New England Patriots throws a pass in the 3rd quarter against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field. John Fisher/Getty Images

The New England Patriots have trimmed down their roster to just 53 players, confusing many, especially considering they only retained one quarterback.

Among those cut from the 90-man roster were Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham. These two play-callers were let go after the Patriots had severed ties with Trace McSorley on Monday, August 28.

The only remaining quarterback on the New England Patriots roster is Mac Jones.

But of those names cut, waiving Zappe was the move that surprised many. The 24-year-old out of Western Kentucky drew attention last NFL season for winning two games while covering for an injured Mac Jones, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Unfortunately, the native of Texas did not have a good 2023 training camp as he struggled to make a good account of himself in preseason appearances. This could be why Bill Belichick and company opted to waive the 2022 fourth-round pick.

Despite his poor showing at training camp, the Pats are not entirely letting him walk. New England still wants him back on their practice squad, although this can only happen if he clears waivers, according to Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer.

It was also added that the Patriots are keeping tabs on Colt McCoy, who was also surprisingly cut by the Arizona Cardinals recently, ESPN reported. This was another mysterious move, considering Kyler Murray is expected to miss the start of the coming NFL season.

While getting McCoy would make sense for the New England Patriots, they need to act fast. The 36-year-old QB is reportedly getting some offers and could be off the market soon.