Could Patriots replace QB Mac Jones with Bailey Zappe?

The 2-6 New England Patriots held on to quarterback Mac Jones through Tuesday's trade deadline, but that doesn't mean Jones will remain the starter through a disappointing season.

NFL insider Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that "there are some in the [Patriots'] building who wouldn't mind giving Bailey Zappe a shot if Jones doesn't show improvement soon." 

It's the latest development in an interesting saga that included undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham temporarily leapfrogging Zappe on the depth chart last month. Zappe replaced the benched Jones in back-to-back games, but Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported that the 2022 fourth-round draft pick was deemed "unfit" to start on a full-time basis. 

In his two appearances this season, Zappe completed 7-of-18 pass attempts for 79 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. 

While speaking with reporters in October, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien said that "we haven’t lost any confidence in Bailey" amid reports regarding Zappe's supposed struggles playing in O’Brien's system. As for Jones, he's thus far done little this season to get New England to pick up the fifth-year option attached to his rookie deal next spring. 

According to ESPN stats, Jones heads into Week 9 ranked 23rd in the NFL with a 43.0 adjusted QBR, 22nd with an 82.5 passer rating and 28th with an average of 6.3 yards per pass attempt on the campaign. In New England's first eight contests, he tossed nine touchdown passes and eight interceptions. 

Jones theoretically should have an opportunity to enjoy a get-right game against the 3-5 Washington Commanders Sunday after the Commanders became sellers Tuesday. If Jones fails to impress at home versus Washington, Zappe could get the nod when the Patriots face the Indianapolis Colts in Germany on Nov. 12. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Patriots as three-and-a-half-point favorites against the Commanders.