Bailey Zappe Reportedly to Sign Browns Contract, Joins Flacco, Gabriel and Shedeur

The Cleveland Browns are signing quarterback Bailey Zappe following his release by the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday.

Zappe will likely join the Browns' practice squad, Fowler noted.

The news comes after the Browns cut Tyler Huntley and traded Kenny Pickett, leaving Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders as the only quarterbacks on the team's 53-man roster.

Zappe, selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft by the New England Patriots, appeared in 14 games with eight starts over two seasons in New England before he was cut last August.

The Browns originally signed Zappe off the Chiefs' practice squad in October after starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was sidelined with an Achilles injury.

Zappe went on to spend four games as an emergency third quarterback. He was released in a move for more roster space, but cleared waivers and was re-signed to the Browns' active roster.

The quarterback ultimately started the Browns' Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 51.6 percent of his passes for 170 yards with one touchdown with two picks.

He returned to the Chiefs on a one-year deal in March, but didn't make it to the 53-man roster.

The Chiefs will now turn to Chris Oladokun to quarterback the practice squad, while Zappe will get another chance as a depth option in Cleveland.

The Browns announced on Aug. 18 that Flacco would serve as QB1 for Week 1 of the 2025 season, and have since placed Gabriel as his backup with Sanders as a third-string option.

How big of a role Zappe plays in this crowded quarterback room next season depends on the status of Watson, who will miss at least four games while starting the season on the physically unable to perform list, in addition to Flacco's durability and how quickly the Browns' rookie quarterbacks can develop this season.