The New England Patriots saw Bill Belichick and Mac Jones leave this offseason. However, while two of the biggest seeds of the post-Tom Brady era are gone, one major leftover remains.

Backup quarterback Bailey Zappe is still on the roster, but he could be on the move shortly. According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, his time with the Patriots “could be coming to an end soon.”

Here’s how he put it:

“Another team could be interested in acquiring the Western Kentucky product as a backup option, so why not try and get something for a player who likely won’t make the team anyway?”

So, there you have it.

Zappe might be the next big exit from the post-Belichick era Patriots. His loss likely wouldn’t change much for the team in 2024 on paper. Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye appear to be frontrunners to take control of the huddle this year. That would put Zappe on pace to sit back as the third-string quarterback or worse.

However, Zappe showed flashes at times under Belichick, which could leave some franchises to believe he hasn’t quite gotten the right opportunity yet. At least, that is what a potential trade partner would need to believe to make such a trade. That said, this wouldn’t be any blockbuster deal.

Bailey Zappe trade likely would be a low-profile transaction with potential high-profile return

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald floated Day 3 picks as the cost for the quarterback if not a player-for-player trade. Here’s how he put it back in May:

“[Zappe could be traded] in a pick-swap trade if not a 1-for-1 deal for a late Day 3 pick. The timing may not be right, however, considering if the Patriots wait until the summer, Zappe’s market will grow when a starting quarterback or top-flight backup inevitably goes down somewhere in the league.”

Of course, if Zappe were to join the correct team, an explosion could be brewing in 2024 or 2025.

With all starting roles filled in 2024 with one or two options, Zappe would need to wait for an opportunity. However, if he were to land with the Dallas Cowboys as a contingency plan for Dak Prescott, he’d have a shot to turn heads.

Additionally, if Zappe were added to the San Francisco 49ers to help solidify the room behind Brock Purdy, the 49ers would have a chance to have two cheap starting-caliber quarterbacks.

Zappe threw for five touchdowns and three interceptions in 2022, which is just enough to get the wheels turning.

Will Zappe’s redemption prologue be written this summer?

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