Patriots sign Bailey Zappe to 53-man roster, Matt Corral placed on Exempt/Left Squad

The New England Patriots are signing Bailey Zappe to the 53-man roster prior to their week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

It was initially reported that Matt Corral had been released by the team to make room for Zappe, but the Patriots announced later Saturday that Corral had been placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list. That means he is unable to sign with another team until the Patriots remove that designation.

The #Patriots are releasing QB Matt Corral as the corresponding move, source says. https://t.co/Si3KH3tGJ5

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2023

The Patriots are going back to their original depth chart with Zappe backing up Mac Jones against the Eagles, according to the NFL's Tom Pelissero.

Zappe played 4 games last season and started two, completing 70% of his passes with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

NBC Sports Boston's own Phill Perry gave us a summary of what happened with the Zappe signing.

Zappe back on the 53. Corral off.

How’d we get here?

Zappe recently deemed not good enough to be protected from waivers.

Corral signed.

Corral not ready.

Zappe now deemed good enough to be a play away from running the offense.

Trying to make the best of a bad situation.

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 9, 2023