3 Patriots Most Likely to Be Traded Before Roster Cutdown Day
3. Bailey Zappe, Quarterback
We save the lowest of the low-hanging fruit for last. There's one player on the Patriots' entire roster right now who is most likely to be traded by the time roster cuts start happening, and it's quarterback Bailey Zappe.
And there are a number of key reasons why Zappe is on the way out via trade.
First of all, the Patriots put the writing on the wall by revamping and reloading their entire quarterback room this offseason. Signing veteran Jacoby Brissett before drafting both Drake Maye and Joe Milton put Zappe on the chopping block right away.
Second, Zappe is only two years into his rookie deal, so he will offer multiple years of team control in a trade.
Third, there are plenty of NFL teams out there right now who would be upgrading their QB2 situation by trading for Zappe. Teams like the Giants, Packers, and Chargers are just three that immediately come to mind.
Fourth, quarterbacks are the most valuable currency in the NFL, and Zappe's starting experience makes him even more valuable. A team trading a 6th-round pick for Zappe now could get a 5th-round pick for him after a strong preseason next year. It's one of the few positions in the league that really just appreciates in value with time.
Just ask Sam Darnold.
The Patriots will trade Zappe to the highest bidder or release him when the time comes, but I think there could actually be a little competition to get Zappe. He's done a solid job in the opportunities he's been given, and could come in and help a number of teams right away. He'll mercifully be getting a change of scenery in the very near future.
More New England Patriots news and analysis: