Good backup quarterbacks usually don’t have to worry about their roster spots in August because NFL teams typically put a premium on depth at the game’s most important position.

Bailey Zappe may not be considered a good starter, but with eight starts on his resume and a .500 record, he’s certainly a good backup. At times over the past two years, he even outplayed 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones for the New England Patriots.

However, Jones is no longer in New England, and Zappe represents the only holdover from last season. The Patriots brought in journeyman Jacoby Brissett to be the bridge and used the third overall pick on Drake Maye.

Brissett and Maye aren’t going anywhere, so Zappe is competing with rookie sixth-round pick Joe Milton III for the QB3 spot. Unfortunately for Zappe, he just doesn’t possess the dual-threat ability, arm talent or wow factor of Milton, who finished his preseason debut 4-of-6 for 54 yards and a touchdown with 22 rushing yards.

If New England is eyeing the playoffs in 2024, it might prefer the experienced, steady hand behind Brissett and Maye. It’s rebuilding, though, and likely to value a player with Milton’s long-term potential highly.

Assuming the Patriots only keep three quarterbacks on the roster, Zappe will probably be the odd man out. If Milton continues to perform as he did last Thursday, there’s no way New England could stash him on the practice squad.