Bailey Zappe is an American professional football quarterback who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). He has made headlines recently for his unexpected start in the Browns’ Week 18 season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the team’s 40th different starting quarterback since 1999.
Early Career and College Success
Bailey Zappe had a standout college football career, beginning at Houston Baptist University before transferring to Western Kentucky University (WKU). His breakout season came in 2021, where he set NCAA records for passing yards and touchdowns in a single season. Zappe’s impressive college performance earned him attention from NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft.
NFL Journey and New England Patriots
Zappe was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. During his rookie season, he gained attention for stepping in as a backup quarterback due to injuries, showing flashes of potential and solid play. However, after a competitive depth chart battle and coaching decisions, Zappe was released and later re-signed to the Patriots practice squad before moving on to the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season.
Cleveland Browns Stint
Bailey Zappe joined the Cleveland Browns for the 2024 season amid the team’s ongoing quarterback instability. The Browns faced significant turnover at the quarterback position, with Zappe becoming the team’s fourth starter of the season in their Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. His start added to the franchise’s ongoing struggles with quarterback consistency, marking him as the 40th starting quarterback for the team since 1999.
Week 18 Start and Performance
Zappe’s start in the Browns’ regular-season finale was met with significant attention. Despite being named the starter, his performance was underwhelming, leading to a swift benching before the end of the first quarter. His struggles were highlighted by a critical pick-six interception thrown to Nate Wiggins, further exemplifying the Browns’ difficulties at the quarterback position during the 2024 season.
Team’s Decision and Future Prospects
The decision to start Zappe in Week 18 was influenced by injuries and inconsistent play from other quarterbacks on the roster, including Dorian Thompson-Robinson. However, his early struggles in the game led to him being replaced, sparking further debate about the Browns’ quarterback situation heading into the offseason.
Following the loss, Zappe addressed the media, expressing his disappointment with the outcome but reaffirming his commitment to improving and contributing to the team’s success moving forward. His future with the Browns remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding whether the team will retain him for the 2025 season.
Historical Context: Browns’ Quarterback Struggles
Zappe’s brief starting opportunity highlighted a long-standing issue for the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled to find consistent quarterback play since the franchise’s reestablishment in 1999. His addition to the extensive list of starting quarterbacks reflects the franchise’s ongoing search for stability under center.
Legacy and Playing Style
Known for his strong arm and ability to make quick decisions, Zappe’s collegiate success demonstrated his potential as a capable passer. However, his NFL career has been marked by limited opportunities and the challenges of adapting to professional-level defenses. If given time to develop in a stable environment, Zappe could emerge as a reliable backup or potential starter in the league.
Bailey Zappe’s NFL journey continues to be a narrative of resilience and adaptation. His recent start for the Cleveland Browns, while short-lived, underscores the unpredictable nature of the league and the challenges teams face in securing a dependable quarterback. As the Browns enter the offseason, Zappe’s performance and future with the team will be closely monitored, with hopes for greater stability in the franchise’s quarterback position.
