Former draft bust quarterback Bailey Zappe is now on the free agent market and Panthers, Saints are among the five destinations where he could go next. According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Browns are officially waiving Zappe after signing him to the active roster in light of Deshaun Watson’s injury but didn’t start a singular game over Jameis Winston. Zappe was on the Chiefs practice squad before signing onto the Browns but didn’t get any playing time there so it’s a matter of time before a roster gives a chance to start. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Western Kentucky product made a name for himself in New England, recording 2,053 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
However, it wasn’t enough for the Patriots to keep him around after not lasting in the final roster cuts since the team has been building a regime around rookie Drake Maye. Meanwhile, they’ve let go of Mac Jones as well that offseason so Zappe sticking around the team wouldn’t have made sense considering he was a pick from the Bill Belichick era. Zappe may have to earn a starting role again but it shouldn’t be too long before a team grabs him off waivers since he’s still a reliable signal-caller. He isn’t going to drastically change an offense but he’s viable for a roster that is rebuilding their leadership.
Former Draft Bust Quarterback Bailey Zappe On Free Agent Market – 5 Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may not be heading to the postseason this year but they could always continue to build for next season. However, they have several questions to answer about the future of their next signal-caller despite bringing back Bryce Young as the starter. They benched him initially at the beginning of the season in favor of Andy Dalton but he didn’t make a drastic change to consider him as the long-term starter, especially for a group that is getting younger in their receiving corps. However, they could bring in someone like Zappe to rotate the three quarterbacks next season if they have no aspirations to draft a new signal-caller in next year’s draft.
New Orleans Saints
For the Saints, patience might be wearing thin after Derek Carr didn’t help the team make a postseason. At 4-8, they can all but wrap this season up but they still have many questions as well to see who will be their next signal-caller. Rookie Spencer Rattler got a few starts this season but didn’t do enough in Carr’s absence behind an atrocious offensive supporting cast. They could reel in Zappe as depth to see how he could excel behind this offense if Carr continues to struggle the rest of the season.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens still don’t have a backup plan at the quarterback position. Josh Johnson doesn’t seem like the most dependable option for Lamar Jackson‘s offense who’s been explosive the last few weeks despite losing plenty of winnable matchups. Zappe won’t start over the MVP but it’s a breath of relief for John Harbaugh who won’t have to worry about scrambling for a new quarterback.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh said Justin Herbert isn’t going anywhere and sees him being the one to lead the team to a future Super Bowl. However, the veteran signal-caller has been dealing with injuries which could raise concerns come this postseason. Herbert will stay dominant as long as he stays healthy but they should bring in some actual competition for a depleting Easton Stick. Zappe doesn’t need to be a starter in the league but joining a team like the Chargers could regenerate his chemistry with a fiery offense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes isn’t going on the bench for the next several levels as he’s still the best quarterback in the league. However, he hasn’t been the same this year coming off winning back-to-back Super Bowls for the Franchise. No one’s taking Mahomes’ job but given his injury history, they should bet on taking Zappe to create some backup competition with Carson Wentz. Zappe could be a dependable quarterback in the postseason similar to what Chad Henne did in one playoff matchup.
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