Former New England Patriots starting quarterback Bailey Zappe is reportedly on the trade block. After entering the 2023 season as the primary backup to Mac Jones, Zappe earned the opportunity to start in the back half of the season. While there were some moments of gold, the former fourth-round pick largely disappointed with his extended time on the field. Appearing in 10 games while making six starts, the Western Kentucky product finished the season completing 59.9% of his passes for 1,271 yards (6.0 yards per attempt), six touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
The Patriots signed Jacoby Brissett to be the short-term bridge quarterback and selected Drake Maye to be the quarterback of the future. While Bailey Zappe could have still battled for the third spot on the depth chart, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Patriots will try to trade him. This happened right after New England selected the talented but unpolished Joe Milton in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
With five QBs on the roster, it's a crowded room for one of last year's starters Bailey Zappe. Safe to say, he's likely available in a trade if it makes sense. https://t.co/wP1tbFj6p5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2024
Bailey Zappe “Likely Available In A Trade” Following 2024 NFL Draft
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Patriots probably won’t find a trade partner for Bailey Zappe. While quarterback is the most important position in the game, Zappe has yet to show he belongs in the NFL. After a somewhat promising rookie season where he completed 70.7% of his passes in limited playing time, the quarterback didn’t even make the original 53-man roster in 2023. He made it back to New England because none of the other 31 teams wanted to give him a spot on the active roster.
Since then, the quarterback has done nothing but prove the other teams right for passing up on him. Zappe’s underwhelming skill set means he has no margin for error every time he throws the ball, and he doesn’t have the mental gifts to overcome his physical limitations. Still, if someone is willing to trade for Mac Jones and Zach Wilson, then perhaps there is some hope for Bailey Zappe. Even if it’s for nothing more than a conditional pick swap, the following five teams could be interested in New England’s one-time starter.
Possible Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
Zappe won’t challenge Patrick Mahomes for the starting job, but he could fight for the second or third-string role in this offense. Carson Wentz has plenty of experience and fills the role of a veteran backup, but this team could still use a development prospect. Seeing as he’ll cost effectively nothing, the Chiefs could trade for Bailey Zappe and have him compete with Chris Oladokun and Ian Book for one of the final spots on the roster.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the least inspiring quarterback situations in the league. Aidan O’Connell didn’t do anything to impress as a rookie, and Gardner Minshew is nothing more than an unremarkable journeyman. Bailey Zappe is nothing special, but Vegas could trade for him to add someone else to the mix. The Raiders don’t have a reliable quarterback, so they might as well take as many shots as possible on players who could churn out a few solid performances.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but the Chargers could stand to add some backup competition. Easton Stick didn’t set the world on fire in place of an injured Herbert, and Bailey Zappe could provide some competition in a trade. Jim Harbaugh likes quarterbacks who don’t try to do too much and play within a system, and Zappe has flashed the ability to do this.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield impressed in Year 1 with the Buccaneers, while Kyle Trask has yet to show anything during his time in the league. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Buccaneers should look for someone who could be the long-term backup. Bailey Zappe is not better than Mayfield, but the trade candidate might be able to beat out Trask for backup work.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams quarterback depth chart is one of the most uncertain units in the game. Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo both have extensive injury histories, while nobody knows what will happen with Stetson Bennett. Bailey Zappe might not be the most exciting option on the trade market, but the veteran will at least be on the field in 2024 and should fit into Sean McVay’s offense.
Main Photo: David Butler II – USA Today Sports
