In the Patriots’ first preseason game, third-year quarterback Bailey Zappe saw significant playing time, throwing 20 passes, while rookie quarterbacks Drake Maye and Joe Milton III had limited snaps. Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski criticized head coach Jerod Mayo for not giving Maye more playing time, especially as the third overall pick in the draft.
Gronkowski suggested that Zappe should be released or traded to give Maye and Milton more opportunities to showcase their skills. Milton impressed with a 38-yard touchdown pass in the game, adding to the argument that Zappe’s time with the team may be coming to an end.
The Patriots currently have four quarterbacks on their roster, with Jacoby Brissett as the starting QB and Maye being a top draft pick. It is likely that Zappe, who has been mostly used as the third or fourth quarterback in training camp, will be the odd man out.
Mayo did mention that Maye will see more playing time in the next game, indicating a shift in strategy. With the competition heating up among the quarterbacks, it remains to be seen how the Patriots will navigate their quarterback depth chart moving forward.
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