Patriots Claim Matt Corral
We now have more clarity on the backup quarterback carousel around the NFL. The Patriots only had one quarterback on their roster after releasing Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham. It turns out that the Patriots may have had their eyes on the waiver wire which promoted the release of Zappe. New England has claimed quarterback Matt Corral after he was cut by the Panthers.
The news was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Just my two cents here; I like the move. Corral was a third round pick just one year ago. The Patriots took Zappe in the fourth round of that same draft. It’s very possible that New England wanted Corral with that pick. It turns out that they get him for free instead. As I mentioned yesterday, Corral was listed as my QB2 during the 2022 NFL Draft. He just has way more arm talent than Zappe.
It’s going to be a challenge for Corral to learn the playbook this close to the season. Mac Jones better stay healthy at the start of the year. Corral is a much bigger upside play than Zappe. That part can’t be denied. If Jones does go down, Corral is someone that can create more high end plays down the field. Regardless of who takes snaps this year for New England, the positive is that they have a real play-caller this year with Bill O’Brien. If things go south, the Pats can recall Zappe to the active roster if they choose to do so.
Carolina could have opted to keep Corral but obviously feel comfortable with Andy Dalton being the backup quarterback behind Bryce Young.
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