The New Orleans Saints or Los Angeles Chargers may pursue former starting quarterback, Bailey Zappe before the regular season begins. According to multiple reports, the trade market is heating up for Zappe if the Patriots keep him around for one more season but it’s likely he won’t make the 53-man roster. The assumption is that Zappe is the odd man out in this situation since Jacoby Brissett is starting week one with Drake Maye and Joe Milton following him on the depth chart. Zappe was the No. 2 starter before slowly Mac Jones went with the Jaguars and Zappe was slipping down the chart.
However, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if head coach Jerod Mayo decides to keep four quarterbacks on the roster in case disaster happens at some point this season. There are plenty of new opportunities for Zappe to go to a team that needs a starter that can last for a full season and he could if he can be consistent. Zappe was in the Bill Belichick era after starting the final six games in 2023 but there’s a new regime in New England. The Western Kentucky product finished his campaign last year by producing 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions.
However, there are desperate needy teams that are looking for a quarterback like the Saints who may face a mishap this season. Dennis Allen isn’t holding back words after expressing disappointment in Kendre Miller. The same case could happen for Derek Carr if he doesn’t produce numbers as patience could probably wear under a mediocre offense. Los Angeles is an interesting destination but it may happen if Justin Herbert continues to suffer the same injury.
Herbert is still one of the best but someone like Easton Stick isn’t reliable so Zappe is the obvious upgrade.
Saints, Chargers May Pursue Former Starting Quarterback Bailey Zappe
Other Potential Destinations
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are probably having one of the worst offseasons and maybe luck in the situation that they’re in. After watching Kirk Cousins depart, they were hoping that drafting J.J. McCarthy would take over this offense. However, he’s expecting to miss the entire 2024 season and now the team has to make last-minute adjustments to keep weapons like Justin Jefferson happy even though he just got a mega contract. The depth chart now consists of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall.
These quarterbacks are not lasting for a full season so trading or signing Zappe if he becomes available would be a significant upgrade. Zappe left some destined moments on the field even though he didn’t produce much-needed results for the Patriots. However, it might be enough for a team that’s looking to make it to at least a wild-card spot this season.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens don’t have a plan B and they’re in danger if they think Josh Johnson would be able to pick up the slack behind Lamar Jackson. Nothing will happen to him anytime soon but injuries happen and so after losing Tyler Huntley to the Browns, they may have to consider giving Jackson some comfort. Zappe is no superstar on the level of Patrick Mahomes but the chances of him being the No. 2 quarterback behind Jackson are high. They need a play that’s capable of taking some snaps especially if Jackson missed some significant time in the past before.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young isn’t going anywhere anytime soon assuming that Dave Canales and the organization have been spending the entirety of this offseason building a supporting cast for him. After drafting Xavier Legette and trading for Diontae Johnson, he should be in the position to lead the team far into the playoffs. However, they still need one more quarterback in the depth chart to help support Andy Dalton in the long term. Since Dalton is getting older, someone like Zappe could be Young’s supporting backup as far as thinking about the future.
