The Cleveland Browns have added a former New England Patriots quarterback to their roster in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury.
The Browns announced on Tuesday that they have signed Bailey Zappe off of the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. Zappe was added to the 53-man roster, and Watson was placed on injured reserve.
Zappe was drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round in 2022. He started eight games over his first two NFL seasons and has 2,053 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Zappe outplayed Mac Jones at times last year and even appeared to get on Bill Belichick’s good side.
Zappe became the odd man out in New England after the Patriots signed Jacoby Brissett this offseason and drafted Drake Maye No. 3 overall. They also selected former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton in the sixth round.
Watson left Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after he suffered a torn Achilles. He was replaced by Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who then left with a finger injury. Jameis Winston was the next man up for the Browns and could now start in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, with Zappe serving as the primary backup.
