Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Sat 12/27/25 12:19 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe has been elevated from the practice squad Saturday in advance of Sunday's game against the Steelers.
EDGE Analysis
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.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Mon 11/24/25 9:00 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
EDGE Analysis
Zappe was elevated to serve as the backup quarterback behind Shedeur Sanders in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Raiders, failing to play in the game. With Dillon Gabriel clearing concussion protocol Monday, Zappe will likely have to wait for another chance to be active for a contest down the road this year.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Sat 11/22/25 4:25 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe was elevated from the Browns' practice squad Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
This marks the second time that Zappe has been elevated from the Browns' practice quad this season. The 26-year-old will be operating as the No. 2 quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders making his first career NFL start in place of Dillon Gabriel (concussion). Zappe started one game for the Browns in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Fri 11/21/25 2:15 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe will operate as the Browns' No. 2 quarterback in Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
With Dillon Gabriel (concussion) being ruled out for the Week 12 matchup, the Western Kentucky product will back up Shedeur Sanders in his first career NFL start. Zappe started one game for the Browns in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Wed 11/19/25 7:53 AM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe could serve as the backup quarterback for Cleveland in Sunday's game against Las Vegas, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Cleveland's quarterback carousel took another turn last week when then-starter Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion and was replaced by Shedeur Sanders. The practice week begins Wednesday with Sanders expected to take reps with the first-team offense while Gabriel remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. That means Zappe could be in line for his second activation from the practice squad and become the No. 2 to Sanders.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Mon 10/27/25 10:07 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe reverted to Cleveland's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
EDGE Analysis
Zappe was elevated ahead of Sunday's Week 8 loss to New England with Shedeur Sanders inactive due to an ankle injury. However, Zappe didn't get into the game against his former team. The Browns are on bye Week 9, and Zappe's chance of being elevated Week 10 likely hinges on whether Sanders is able to return.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Sat 10/25/25 1:18 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Zappe was elevated to the Browns' active roster Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
Zappe's elevation to the Browns' active roster provides depth at quarterback, as Shedeur Sanders (back) will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Western Kentucky product started one game for Cleveland in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. If Sanders is unable to play in Week 8, Zappe is expected to backup Dillon Gabriel.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Tue 10/7/25 7:12 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
The Browns could promote Zappe to the active roster ahead of Week 6's game in Pittsburgh, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Cleveland released its unofficial depth chart, which lists Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback with Shedeur Sanders as the backup. However, that may not be the pecking order come kickoff against the Steelers. The Browns signed Zappe after cut-down day and at a time when they already had six QBs on the roster. Perhaps the veteran, who has made nine career starts including Week 16 in 2024 for Cleveland, is viewed as a more game-ready than Sanders, who could drop back to being the emergency quarterback.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Thu 8/28/25 5:52 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Cleveland signed Zappe to the practice squad Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Zappe suited up for and started one game for Cleveland during the 2024 regular season, completing 16 of 31 pass attempts for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed twice for two yards. The 2022 fourth-round pick, who began his NFL career with New England, will remain with the Browns as an emergency option at quarterback.
Bailey Zappe QB CLE (9) Mon 8/25/25 7:23 PM
Bailey Zappe
QB CLE (9)
Kansas City waived Zappe on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
As expected, Zappe will not be one of the quarterbacks the Chiefs keep on their final 53-man roster to start the 2025 season. He's on track to become a free agent able to sign with any team, but there's also a chance he ends up back on Kansas City's practice squad.