According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Cleveland Browns are signing quarterback Bailey Zappe from the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. Zappe has become a journeyman early in his NFL career, moving from the New England Patriots, where he played in 10 games last season, to a team like the Chiefs that doesn’t need a quarterback right now.
Following Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury and a potential injury to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who filled in for Watson in Week 7, the Browns were expected to add a quarterback to their roster. Zappe was one of several practice squad quarterbacks considered, especially given the team’s limited salary cap space for signing free agents.
Zappe is likely being brought in as a backup to either Jameis Winston or Thompson-Robinson, both of whom have the confidence of the Cleveland coaching staff. Winston appears to be the frontrunner to start after Thompson-Robinson injured his finger during his limited action in Week 7, and Winston was the only quarterback to throw a touchdown in that game. As a seasoned veteran, he is viewed as the ideal candidate for the position moving forward.
In relation to Watson’s injury, he had considered undergoing a procedure similar to the one Jets QB Aaron Rodgers had to expedite recovery from his Achilles injury. However, according to a report from Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watson is likely opting for traditional healing methods and will take his time to rehab for a return in 2025.
Watson’s future with the Browns in 2025 remains uncertain. He is still being compensated by the team under his guaranteed contract. In a press conference after the injury announcement and a day after their Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned the challenges of an Achilles injury, which raises questions about the team’s commitment to Watson as their starter.
The upcoming draft is expected to be rich in quarterback talent at the top, where Cleveland is currently positioned. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are two prominent names that could be on the Browns’ radar if they can secure a commitment from either player if drafted. It’s possible that Watson may have played his last snap with Cleveland during Week 7.
