Jets Make Move to Stabilize Quarterback Situation with Bailey Zappe Signing

The New York Jets have taken a step toward addressing their uncertain quarterback situation by signing Bailey Zappe to a futures contract. With a lackluster performance from Justin Fields, injuries plaguing Tyrod Taylor, and undrafted free agent Brady Cook yet to prove himself, the team’s quarterback depth has been a pressing concern.

A Look at Bailey Zappe’s NFL Experience

Bailey Zappe, 26, has had a modest career thus far in the NFL:

• Games Played: 15 over three seasons
• Record: 4-5 as a starter
• Completion Percentage: 62.1%
• Touchdowns: 12
• Interceptions: 14

Season Breakdown

• Rookie Season (2022):
  • Team: New England Patriots
  • Record: 2-0
  • Completion Rate: 70.7%
  • Passing Yards: 781
  • Touchdowns/Interceptions: 5 TDs, 3 INTs
• 2023 Season:
  • Record: 2-4
  • Completion Rate: 59.9%
  • Touchdowns/Interceptions: 6 TDs, 9 INTs
• Recent Season with Cleveland:
  • Games Started: 1
  • Record: 0-1
  • Completion Rate: 51.6%
  • Passing Yards: 170
  • Touchdowns/Interceptions: 1 TD, 2 INTs

Why a Futures Contract?

Signing Zappe to a futures contract—a one-year, non-guaranteed agreement—allows the Jets to secure another quarterback for the upcoming offseason workouts without impacting their 2026 salary cap. This strategy is commonly used at the end of the season to prepare for minicamps and training camps, effectively locking in players for the next year.

Future Implications for Fields and Taylor

• Justin Fields: Still under contract but likely to part ways with the Jets after a tumultuous season in which the team went 2-7 in his nine starts.
• Tyrod Taylor: A free agent unlikely to return in 2026 due to ongoing injury issues.
• Brady Cook: Also under contract, but faced struggles of his own, finishing the last four games with a 0-4 record, two touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Additional Roster Moves

Alongside Zappe, the Jets have also signed:

• Mac Dalena: A 5-foot-11, 180-pound wide receiver who was a practice squad member for the Seahawks and previously signed by the Chiefs.
• Lenny Krieg: A kicker from Germany who spent the past season on the Falcons’ practice squad as part of the International Pathway Program.

Conclusion

With Bailey Zappe’s addition, the Jets are not necessarily solving their long-term quarterback issues but are certainly making moves towards stabilizing the position ahead of the next season. As offseason workouts loom, the franchise aims to establish a stronger foundation for their offense moving forward.

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By considering both short-term adjustments and long-term solutions, the Jets are navigating a crucial offseason with the hope of improvement in the coming season.