BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have officially named Bailey Zappe as their starting quarterback for the season finale against the Ravens in Baltimore. This decision marks Zappe as the fourth player to hold the quarterback position for the Browns this season and the 40th overall since the franchise was reinstated as an expansion team in 1999.
Zappe, who was signed from Kansas City’s practice squad in October after Deshaun Watson suffered an Achilles tendon injury, is set to make his ninth career start. The 25-year-old quarterback has a record of 4-4 after appearing in eight games for the New England Patriots before joining the Browns.
Earlier in the week, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated that both Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson would likely see playing time against the Ravens, who are poised to clinch the AFC North title if they defeat the Browns, who have a record of 3-13.
Stefanski shared his choice of Zappe as the starter to both quarterbacks following Thursday’s practice session. The coach’s decision continues an unusual trend for the team, which has seen multiple new quarterbacks start their season-ending games. Notable past examples include Connor Shaw, Thaddeus Lewis, and Bruce Gradkowski.
On Wednesday, Zappe expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, saying, “It’s a great chance for me to play some football and get some film for people to watch. I’m excited.” He humorously acknowledged that his previous experience under coach Bill Belichick was beneficial in adapting to the unpredictability of the league, noting that he often found out about his game status late in the week.
Meanwhile, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is also looking to improve after previous performances that saw him complete just 54.3% of his passes, leading to only nine points across two losses. He encountered challenges, including throwing three interceptions and fumbling twice, while being penalized on four occasions for intentional grounding. The rookie quarterback has focused this week on correcting his errors and has emphasized the importance of maintaining his preparation.
As both players gear up for the final game of the season, it is clear that Thompson-Robinson views these last three games as critical for showcasing his capabilities to be considered for a starting role in the future.
In other team news, the Browns will face the challenge of competing without several key players, including Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, tight end David Njoku, running back Jerome Ford, and linebacker Jordan Hicks.
Additionally, the Browns are advancing their plans for a new domed stadium after completing a deal to purchase 176 acres of land in Brook Park, Ohio. The team announced intentions to leave their current lakefront stadium when their lease concludes in 2028. Recently, Cleveland’s Mayor Justin Bibb sent a letter to the team’s owners indicating plans to invoke the “Modell Law,” which would allow the city or its residents to potentially purchase the franchise to prevent relocation.
