According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the New York Jets signed quarterback Bailey Zappe to a futures contract.
A fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky in 2022, Zappe has spent time with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cleveland Browns.
Since entering the league, Zappe has appeared in 15 games and started nine, posting a 4-5 record as a starter. He has completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,223 yards and 12 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.
Zappe most recently started a regular-season game for the Browns in 2024, which resulted in a 35-10 Week 18 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, during which he completed 51.6% of his passes for 170 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
In 2025, Zappe spent the summer in Kansas City before being waived in August ahead of final roster cuts. He signed with the Browns’ practice squad and remained there throughout the season.
A futures deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract signed by players who become free agents after the regular season concludes but before the new league year begins in March. It allows teams to secure a player’s rights for the following season’s 90-man roster.
These deals are usually signed by former practice squad players, as any player on a practice squad at the end of the season becomes a free agent after their team’s final game. Following their 2025 season finale, the Jets signed five players from their practice squad to futures deals, including wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, cornerback Samuel Womack, defensive ends Ochaun Mathis and Paschal Ekeji, and offensive lineman Liam Fornadel.
Zappe joins Justin Fields and 2025 undrafted free agent Brady Cook among the three quarterbacks under contract with New York for the 2026 season. Fields is expected to be released. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor is slated to hit the free agent market.
For the Jets, Zappe projects as a training camp arm.