Bailey Za͏ppe, once a hopeful backup for the ͏New England Pat͏r͏iots, is now on the move after his release this ͏week. The departure͏, ͏though not shocking, underscores the Patriots’ evolving quarterback situation. ͏With͏ Z͏appe, a fou͏rth-round pick in͏ 2͏022, ͏out of the mix, teams are eyeing him ͏as a ͏potential addition.

The Vikings and Packers are two teams where Zappe could land. The Vikings, need a solid quarterback presence. Zappe could offer that stability. Meanwhile, the Packers, might find the 25-year-old a more dependable option to bolster their depth chart.

Potential landing spots for Bailey Zappe

The Minnesota Vikings are in desperate need of a quarterback upgrade. Following Kirk Cousins’ departure and rookie J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending injury, the Vikings’ current depth chart is a shaky mix of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. Bringing in Zappe could provide a much-needed stable presence and help guide the Vikings through a challenging season. With the team’s priority on keeping Justin Jefferson happy, Zappe could be a key addition to their roster.

The Green Bay Packers are another strong contender for Zappe’s services. The backup quarterback situation in Packers is less than inspiring. Neither Sean Clifford nor Michael Pratt has impressed in their preseason performances, leaving the Packers’ backup plans in question. Packers coach Matt LaFleur has left the door open for exploring other options, and the Kentucky made could offer more reliability than Clifford or Pratt. As LaFleur stated, “We’ll see… there were some good moments and some things that we absolutely have to do better.”

Beyond the Vikings and Packers, other teams might also show interest in the rookie quarterback. The New Orleans Saints, dealing with uncertainty behind Derek Carr, could use a solid backup. The Los Angeles Chargers, with injury concerns surrounding Justin Herbert, might also consider Zappe. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a reliable backup after losing Tyler Huntley, with Josh Johnson currently as their second-string option.

In short, while the young QB’s time in New England seems to be winding down, his potential new destinations could offer him the chance to prove himself once again.

Patriots cut ties with Bailey Zappe

Zappe, who started six games last season and showed glimpses of potential, is currently buried on the Patriots’ depth chart. The Patriots’ decision to part ways with Zappe comes after a tumultuous period where his role rapidly diminished.

With Jacoby Brissett taking the lead and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III ahead of him, Bailey Zappe’s future in New England at the start of the year became increasingly uncertain. From being a surprise starter in his rookie year to ending up as a third-stringer this preseason, Zappe’s journey with the Patriots has been a roller-coaster. His path with the team has been anything but smooth.

So why the cut? For starters, the Patriots have significantly revamped their quarterback lineup. The team’s new head coach, Jerod Mayo, has shifted the focus to younger, high-upside options. They brought in veteran Jacoby Brissett as a stabilizing presence and drafted No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, who is poised to be the franchise’s future. Rookie Joe Milton III also made a strong impression during training camp, seemingly surpassing the former Patriots QB on the depth chart. With the 25-year-old dropping to QB4, where he rarely saw meaningful reps in practice or preseason games, his release became almost inevitable.

“Bailey’s been a pro’s pro,” Patriots quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney acknowledged. “He’s handled a tough situation with grace. But with the new additions and his diminishing role, the decision was made,” further added he.

With Zappe now on the waiver wire, teams in need of a backup or developmental quarterback might see him as a valuable addition. Especially given Zappe’s mixed bag of experience and past performances.