The Bailey Zappe era in New England is officially over

Bailey Zappe is moving on from the New England Patriots, and he has landed in one of the best possible spots in the league.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are signing Zappe to their practice squad, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The move brings the Zappe era in New England to an end, after two-plus seasons and 14 games at quarterback, including eight starts.

Zappe was originally taken in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and made it onto the field early in his rookie season as starting QB Mac Jones missed time with a high-ankle sprain. He exceeded expectations, posting a 100.9 passer rating in four games (two starts) and birthing the endearing term of "Zappe Fever" (credit to Jim Murray's late father). He started six games in 2023 with a 68.7 passer rating, as the Pats went 2-4 in those games.

If he is starting at any point in Kansas City, something has likely gone horribly wrong for the Chiefs. In addition to having Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes leading the way, veteran Carson Wentz remains the top backup. Zappe will likely serve as the team's third emergency quarterback, for the time being.

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But as long as he's relegated to backup/practice squad duty, the third-year pro couldn't possibly ask for a better situation. He will now be coached by Andy Reid and learn under Mahomes, and would be surrounded by an O-line and weapons that would put him in a better position to succeed than the Patriots' roster.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.