Jets sign QB Bailey Zappe to non-guaranteed one-year deal
Bailey Zappe of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 23, 2025. Credit: Getty Images
The Jets have added a quarterback.
They signed Bailey Zappe to a reserve/future contract, which is a non-guaranteed one-year deal.
The Jets need arms. Justin Fields is under contract for $10 million guaranteed next season, but he’s not expected back. Brady Cook’s $1 million salary is not guaranteed. Tyrod Taylor will be a free agent.
Zappe was a Patriots fourth-round pick in 2022. He played in 17 games for New England and Cleveland, starting 10, and has 2,519 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions. He spent 2025 on the Browns’ practice squad.
The Jets are expected to be very active in the quarterback market in free agency, through trades and the draft. They have the No. 2 overall pick. If Oregon’s Dante Moore declares for the draft, he could be the Jets’ choice, presuming Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza goes first overall to Las Vegas.
The Jets also signed former Fresno State receiver Mac Dalena and kicker Lenny Krieg to reserve/future contracts. Dalena was on the Seahawks’ practice squad this season. Krieg, who is from Germany, was on Atlanta’s practice team.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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