Jets release Bailey Zappe as backup quarterback competition gets clearer

Bailey Zappe is out of the competition to be the Jets’ backup quarterback. If such a competition ever really existed. Zappe, who started eight games for the Patriots in 2022 and 2023 when he was nipping at the heels of starter Mac Jones, was released Saturday by the Jets, ESPN reported. Head coach Aaron Glenn declined Friday to officially name rookie Cade Klubnik as the top option behind starter Geno Smith, but it is no secret that the Jets are leaning in that direction after the fourth-round draft pick ran the second-team offense all summer. Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik (10) throws as Bailey Zappe (11) looks on during practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ, on August 17, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Zappe and Brady Cook, who went 0-4 as an undrafted rookie last season, were s