The New England Patriots managed to keep their season alive with a 16-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in a wild-card matchup. Meanwhile, several teams around the NFL have already begun their offseason preparations, including the Patriots’ longtime divisional rivals, the New York Jets.
In a major shift during the 2025 season, the Jets turned to Justin Fields to spearhead their offense. However, that decision did not pan out, as both Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook took the reins but struggled to improve the team’s performance. As a result, New York is now in search of a long-term solution at the quarterback position and is exploring all available avenues.
Recent reports indicate that the Jets have signed former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe to a futures contract. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed the signing, suggesting that Zappe could provide New York with valuable depth as they continue their search for a starting quarterback.
Zappe was drafted by New England in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where he briefly served as the team’s starter in 2023. After stints with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, he did not see any action in the 2025 season. Joining the Jets could present Zappe with another opportunity to earn a starting role, especially given the team’s limited options at quarterback.
The Jets are likely to target a more prominent quarterback this offseason, but Zappe’s signing adds a layer of depth as they navigate their uncertain quarterback landscape. This move may help the Jets stabilize their roster as they work toward a more promising future.