Is Bailey Zappe A Free Agent? Which Teams Would Be A Good Fit? Fantasy Football Outlook

Free agent quarterback Bailey Zappe was the 137th overall pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft. Zappe only played one season at Western Kentucky. However, he was outstanding that year.

The former Hilltopper completed 69.1% of his pass attempts for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions that season. Furthermore, he led Conference USA and the entire country in completions, pass attempts, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

After his outstanding year at Western Kentucky, Zappe declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Many thought he could be a sleeper quarterback that year. Therefore, it was a surprise that the Patriots drafted the former Hilltopper after spending a first-round pick on Mac Jones in 2021.

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Is Bailey Zappe A Free Agent?

Last year, the rookie quarterback played in four games, starting two. Zappe completed 70.7% of his pass attempts for 781 yards and five touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

While there was a borderline quarterback controversy last season between Jones and Zappe, New England would never have let the former Western Kentucky star replace the first-round draft pick.

The Patriots waived Zappe today after only one year with the team. Jones is currently the only quarterback on the roster. However, New England will add a veteran over the next few days. Meanwhile, the second-year quarterback will likely get claimed off waivers tomorrow.

Which Teams Would Be A Good Fit?

While he isn’t considered a starting-caliber NFL quarterback, the former Western Kentucky star is a capable backup with upside. Last year, Zappe showed he can lead an offense while filling in for an injured Jones.

There will be several teams interested in the second-year quarterback. The top five teams in the waiver order are the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos.

The Texans and Colts are unlikely to claim Zappe. They have their starting rookie quarterback and a top-tier backup. However, the former Western Kentucky star would be a potential option for the other three teams.

Zappe would be an upgrade over Tyson Bagent as Justin Fields’ backup. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have no legitimate starting quarterback on the roster, with Kyler Murray on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Denver could add the young quarterback as a development project behind Russell Wilson.

Regardless of which team adds the second-year quarterback, Zappe likely has no fantasy value this season.

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