Bailey Zappe Trade Rumors Heating Up Before Draft is Even Over

New England Patriots fans might be enjoying how the team has improved the quarterback depth chart during the NFL Draft, but one current Patriots QB, Bailey Zappe, might be enjoying the draft a little less.

After New England selected Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III in the sixth round on Saturday evening, the Patriots QB room is getting a little more crowded. New England took Drake Maye with the third overall pick on Thursday night, and the depth chart is currently comprised of veteran Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, Drake Maye, Nathan Rourke, and now Joe Milton III.

With those five QBs now on the roster, NFL insider Ian Rapoport has suggested that Bailey Zappe could likely be available via a trade.

A fourth-rounder in 2022 out of Western Kentucky, Zappe has appeared in eight total games in his two seasons in Foxborough. Zappe took over for an injured Mac Jones in 2022 and won both games that he started. When Jones' play faltered again in 2023, Zappe relieved him in four different games before taking over the starting role for good for the final six games.

In 10 games last season, Zappe completed 59.9% of his passes for 1,272 yards. He threw six touchdowns to nine interceptions.

Zappe was up for grabs last offseason after being cut at the end of August as New England was cutting down to the 53-man roster. He was re-signed to the practice squad the following day after no teams claimed him. The fact that Zappe has previously gone through waivers unclaimed, combined with the returns for Mac Jones, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson that we saw this offseason, the trade return should expectedly be minimal.

Zappe is a strong competitor and has performed admirably when called upon over the last two seasons, but his talent just might not be enough to keep him on the Patriots roster.

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