The New York Jets have released quarterback Bailey Zappe, a move that sharpens the focus on the competition for the backup role behind starter Geno Smith. The team's decision, reported Saturday, comes as training camp winds down and roster decisions loom before the regular season.
While head coach Aaron Glenn had not officially named a backup, rookie Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round draft pick, has been observed running the second-team offense throughout the summer, suggesting he is the team's preferred option. Zappe and Brady Cook, who went winless as an undrafted rookie last season, had been splitting reps with the third team.
Zappe, who joined the Jets in January, saw limited action in the preseason finale against the Giants. He completed 2 of 5 passes and took two sacks on Friday night. The quarterback had previously started eight games for the New England Patriots across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The Jets' quarterback depth chart could still evolve. The team might opt to sign a veteran quarterback to serve as a backup to Smith, potentially shifting Klubnik to the third-string position. This scenario would likely require the Jets to carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster to avoid exposing Klubnik to waivers, given his relative inexperience.
Zappe was on a one-year, $1.2 million contract with no guaranteed money, meaning his release does not result in a dead-cap charge for the team. The roster must be finalized at 53 players by Sunday at 6 p.m.