Jerod Mayo explains decision to move on from Bailey Zappe

Bailey Zappe is no longer with the Patriots after being waived on Tuesday. Zappe has since moved on to Kansas City, signing onto the Chiefs practice squad.

The Patriots are sticking with three quarterbacks on their roster. Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye have been battling for the starting spot, with a winner expected to be announced soon. Joe Milton III overtook Zappe on the depth chart this summer to claim the No. 3 spot.

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo explained the decision to move on from Zappe on Wednesday.

“One thing I’ll say about Zappe is he has been the ultimate professional,” Mayo said. “Even before I took this role, we’ve had a good relationship and I’m always going to root for a guy like Zappe.

“He always had a great attitude even though things probably weren’t ideal for him personally. In saying that, we think these three quarterbacks have a chance to be better than what Zappe displayed.”

Zappe, primarily a backup behind Mac Jones during his two seasons with the Patriots, ended up starting eight games after things went south with Jones.

He went 4-4 as a starter. His career completion rate is 63.2, he has 2,053 career passing yards, and he has 11 career touchdowns against 12 interceptions.

Zappe came back to the Patriots practice squad after being cut last year for the opportunity to compete with Jones and he eventually won that battle.

But now, he heads to defending champion Kansas City for a fresh start.

The Patriots signed seven players to their practice squad on Wednesday: offensive tackler Liam Fornadel, running back Kevin Harris, running back Terrell Jennings, wide receiver Matt Landers, defensive end Jotham Russell, defensive back AJ Thomas and tight-end Mitchell Wilcox, all of whom were with the Patriots during training camp.

The Patriots also released four players to make room for four new additions to the 53-man roster. Cornerback Isaiah Bolden, defensive lineman Tristen Hill, offensive lineman Michael Jordan, and wide receiver Jalen Reagor were cut.

New England picked up linebacker Curtis Jacobs, offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs, defensive tackle Eric Johnson, and offensive tackle Zach Thomas.