The Ottawa Redblacks' years-long search for a consistent starting quarterback now includes a look at a familiar NFL name.
After Bailey Zappe was released by the New York Jets on Tuesday, the Redblacks placed the QB on their negotiation list.
CFL teams can put up to 45 players on their negotiation lists, as long as they are not eligible for the Canadian or Global drafts, and do not have CFL veteran status.
Zappe, 27, was 4-5 as a starter from 2022-24 with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. The Western Kentucky product was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2022 after leading the NCAA in passing yards the previous season.
Zappe was on the Jets' practice roster this season before being cut to make room for Will Levis.
Zappe's CFL rights previously belonged to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts, 3DownNation reported.
The Redblacks have 13 quarterbacks on their negotiation list, including Heisman Trophy front-runner and likely first-round NFL pick Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss.
Ottawa (0-13) is riding a CFL modern-era record 19-game losing streak dating back to last season.
