The New York Jets brought quarterback Bailey Zappe back into the fold Tuesday, signing the veteran to the practice squad only days after cutting him during final roster trimming.
The team posted the news on social media with a brief statement: “We’ve signed QB Bailey Zappe to the practice squad.”
Zappe had been with the Jets through training camp and the preseason before the organization let him go last week as it finalized its 53-man roster.
Jets editorial contributor Amanda Vogt noted the timing.
“After Aaron Glenn announced rookie Cade Klubnik would be Geno Smith’s backup during his Monday press conference, the Jets added another QB to their practice squad. Zappe will be back practicing with the Green & White,” Vogt wrote.
She also recapped his recent work.
“Zappe completed 60.9% (14- of- 23) of his passes and threw for 135 yards and 2 INTs this preseason. The veteran QB was initially selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and appeared in 14 games (8 starts) from 2022-23, throwing for 2,053 yards with 11 TDs and 12 INTs. Zappe spent the 2025 season on the Cleveland Browns practice squad before signing a futures contract with the Jets in January,” Vogt wrote.
Head coach Aaron Glenn had already signaled Monday that any extra quarterback would most likely land on the practice squad rather than the active roster. Zappe had not signed when Glenn spoke to reporters.
It remains unclear whether the Jets are finished adding to the position. Three quarterbacks across the 53-man roster and practice squad would leave little depth if Smith were injured.
Smith is the established starter. Klubnik is a late-round rookie. Zappe’s preseason numbers were modest. That combination has left some observers uneasy about the backup plan.
The Jets filled out the rest of the practice squad a day earlier, announcing 16 players on Monday. Eric Allen and Amanda Vogt explained the extra spot in a team release.
“They are able to sign 17 players since Paschal Ekeji meets the international pathway guidelines,” they wrote.
Zappe became that 17th player when he signed Tuesday.
The offensive side of the practice squad includes wide receivers Jamaal Pritchett, Malik McClain and Cam Camper, offensive linemen Marquis Hayes and Xavier Newman, and running back Al-Jay Henderson.
Defense accounts for a larger share: cornerback Mory Bamba, defensive back Jordan Clark, pass rusher Paschal Ekeji, defensive linemen Jack Heflin and Payton Page, linebackers Jaden Keller and Troy Reeder, and pass rusher Nate Lynn.
Veteran kicker Jason Sanders rounds out the group as a special-teams addition.
NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY offered a blunt take on the kicking situation.
“[John] Harbaugh had Sanders with the Giants briefly. He let him go because he didn’t think he could kick on the East Coast. That proved true. He was dreadful, and the Jets ended up claiming Grupe from the Colts. It’s a little risky to add a kicker for Week 1 you haven’t had in your building (Kaare Vedvik). We’ll see if it works for New York,” Hughes wrote.
With Zappe now officially on the practice squad, the Jets have completed their 17-man unit heading into the 2026 regular season. The coming weeks will show whether the quarterback group and the rest of the reserves prove sufficient.
