Report: Patriots re-signing Zappe to practice squad

The New England Patriots are bringing back quarterback Bailey Zappe after waiving him Tuesday, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The 24-year-old received offers from seven other teams but opted to return to New England's practice squad, adds Pelissero.

Zappe, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was a surprise release ahead of Tuesday's deadline to trim rosters, as most expected him to be New England's primary backup behind Mac Jones.

Zappe has appeared in four career games, including two starts. He's completed 70.1% of his passes for 781 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Patriots also re-signed Malik Cunningham to their practice squad after placing him on waivers, a source told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The undrafted quarterback out of Louisville also played snaps at wide receiver during the preseason.

Jones was briefly the only quarterback on New England's roster when the team released Zappe and Cunningham.