Cleveland Browns sign quarterback away from KC Chiefs practice squad

The Cleveland Browns already had a mess at quarterback with Deshaun Watson one way or another, but in the wake of his season-ending injury, the team is now turning to other options to fill in at starter and round out the depth chart.

The Browns' latest signing comes courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad in the form of Bailey Zappe, a player who has only been with Kansas City since the start of the regular season.

The Chiefs brought Zappe into the fold as one of a series of several moves made to import new faces right around the time that the NFL mandated active roster cuts. At that point, the Chiefs traded for pass rusher Cam Thomas, signed running back Samaje Perine, dealt for tight end Peyton Hendershot, and asked Zappe to play the role of QB3.

The Cleveland Browns are searching for answers at quarterback in the wake of Deshaun Watson's injury.

Zappe is a decent addition for the Browns considering their situation as a team in need of a midseason quarterback addition. He was a fourth round pick of the New England Patriots as recently as the 2022 NFL Draft yet comes with quite a bit of starting experience for a guy on his third team in three months.

With the Patriots, Zappe started a total of 8 games and played in 14 and completed 63 percent of his passes in that span. He threw 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a 78.5 passer rating. The Pats went 4-4 with Zappe in the starting role.

Without Zappe, the Chiefs will turn to another free agent quarterback to serve as an emergency option on the practice squad with the re-signing of Chris Oladokun. Oladokun was released in late August before final roster cuts were due.