Browns Rumors: Ex-Patriots QB Bailey Zappe Lands Contract After Deshaun Watson Injury

In the wake of Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury, the Cleveland Browns are adding Bailey Zappe to their quarterback room.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Browns will sign Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

Zappe started eight games over the previous two seasons with the New England Patriots.

Watson suffered a non-contact injury late in the second quarter of Cleveland's 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

The Browns announced on Monday that an MRI confirmed Watson ruptured his Achilles and will undergo surgery to repair the injury.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson entered the game after Watson went down. He finished 11-of-24 for 82 yards with two interceptions before injuring his finger late in the fourth quarter.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Monday the team was awaiting more information on Thompson-Robinson's injury before making any determinations about his status for Wednesday's practice and leading up to Sunday's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

If Thompson-Robinson is unable to suit up, Jameis Winston will likely be Cleveland's starter in Week 8. He finished 6-of-12 with 83 yards and a touchdown in his lone drive against the Bengals.

Zappe could potentially step in as the No. 2 quarterback right away for the Browns. The 25-year-old threw for 2,053 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 14 appearances with the Patriots after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.

New England waived Zappe on Aug. 26 as part of the final roster cut downs. He was signed to Kansas City's practice squad two days later but never made it to the active roster through the first seven weeks of the season.

The Browns (1-6) have lost five straight games going into Sunday's AFC North matchup with the Ravens at Huntington Bank Field.

Zappe went 2-0 in two starts with the Patriots as a rookie in 2022. He lost four of his six starts last season.