Cleveland has brought in veteran Bailey Zappe to its practice squad, providing the team with an experienced alternative if Chedure Sanders, the third-string quarterback, doesn’t prove sufficient. This move comes as the Browns prepare for the season, with Joe Flacco and backup Dilongabriel leading the charge.
It’s worth noting that adding Zappe doesn’t mean Sanders is on shaky ground; it’s simply common practice in the league for teams to have multiple quarterbacks on their practice squads.
Zappe has some demonstrated ability to step in if needed. He’s already showing he can handle pressure, which might raise questions about Sanders’ readiness for the NFL stage. Drafted in 2022, Zappe has played in 15 games over three seasons, with a notable ten games for the Patriots last year, and even had one appearance with the Browns during the last season.
This addition enhances the depth of Cleveland’s quarterback situation. Zappe’s experience can only help as they move forward, especially considering his history with coach Kevin Stefanski’s system after he was cut by the Chiefs recently.
In terms of stats, Zappe has thrown 12 touchdowns against 14 interceptions throughout his career, suggesting he has room for improvement.
The Browns, adjusting various facets of their quarterback room recently, traded Kenny Pickett—previously signed by the Eagles—and moved on from veteran Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. This has established a clear hierarchy, with Flacco as the starter, Gabriel backing him up, and Sanders in the mix primarily for emergencies.
Interestingly, Gabriel was drafted two rounds ahead of Sanders, possibly indicating the Browns’ strategic preferences. The scrutiny surrounding Sanders’ performance during preseason was intense, raising discussions about the support he has been given by the organization.
In preseason games, Gabriel completed 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards with one touchdown and an interception, while Sanders had a much tighter outing, completing 17 of 29 for just 29 yards and two touchdowns.
In a light-hearted nod, Stefanski remarked on Gabriel’s performance, suggesting that it was a well-rounded evaluation leading to his promotion as the second-string quarterback.
