Getty Image / Chris Unger
Heading into the NFL offseason, many expected the New England Patriots to stick with Mac Jones at quarterback and give him a shot to recover from last season’s debacle now that they actually have an offensive coordinator.
Despite that expectation, they’ve seemed reluctant to actually commit to Jones during the offseason.
There have been rumors about them trying to trade him. Bill Belichick implied to the media that Bailey Zappe would get a shot to compete for the starting job.
We haven’t heard much about the situation from either quarterback so far, but today Zappe was actually asked about it.
He told reporters at a youth football clinic that he would be ready to take advantage if an opportunity presents itself.
Bailey Zappe spoke today between drills as the @PatsFoundation held a youth football clinic at Naval Station Newport. He was asked by @NBC10_Joe about his mindset entering OTA’a and competing at quarterback. pic.twitter.com/VB1Lz7tRsf
— Bob Socci (@BobSocci) April 12, 2023
“If my opportunity presents itself, I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win. That’s really all I can say from that standpoint. That’s Coach Belichick’s decision, whatever he decides. But if the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to be ready and take advantage of it.”
That’s what Bailey Zappe did last season to create this controversy in the first place.
In his first appearance, he nearly led the team to a win at the Packers. He then proceeded to get a pair of wins in his first 2 starts while throwing for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Those performances came after Jones had struggled during the team’s first 3 games of the year.
There are some in the New England Patriots’ locker room that reportedly want Zappe to be the team’s starter and it looks like he’ll get the chance to take that job.
We’ll just have to wait and see if he’s able to win that QB competition.