Bailey Zappe: Everything you need to know

Zappe signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on Monday. The state of the Jets' quarterback room is in flux heading into the 2026 campaign, so Zappe looks poised to have a realistic chance at a roster spot. Zappe has 15 NFL appearances (nine starts) under his belt, with all of those having come for the Jets' AFC East rival Patriots, but he didn't appear in a regular-season game in 2025.

Zappe reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. Zappe stepped into the Browns' backup quarterback role behind Shedeur Sanders during Sunday's win over the Steelers due to the absence of Dillon Gabriel (shoulder). Zappe could reprise the QB2 role against the Bengals in Week 18 if Gabriel is not cleared to play.

Zappe has been elevated from the practice squad Saturday in advance of Sunday's game against the Steelers. Zappe will stand to either handle third-string QB duties versus Pittsburgh, or act as the No. 2 option behind Shedeur Sanders in the event that Dillon Gabriel (shoulder), who is listed as questionable, can't play. The last time Zappe saw the field was to make a single start for Cleveland in 2024, in which he completed 16 of 31 pass attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.