Patriots might have just gifted the Vikings the perfect offensive insurance

The roster cut deadline is finally upon us and the Patriots are well underway in putting together their best 53-man team for the 2024 season. They've made a series of cuts to start the day, most of which have not been that shocking, including their decision to move on from quarterback Bailey Zappe.

The writing was on the wall for the third-year player after Jacoby Brissett was signed in free agency and Drake Maye was drafted earlier this year. Although he was a significant help when Mac Jones was injured and missed four games in 2022, Zappe never overly impressed with his performance, therefore looking like an immediate cut come the deadline.

There was a belief the Patriots might carry four quarterbacks during the season, keeping Zappe around as more experienced insurance in case Brissett needed to miss time for any reason. But the new regime has made it clear they are sticking with the one veteran and two rookies, leaving Zappe to look elsewhere for a backup role this fall.

Despite the possibility that he could return to the practice squad, it seems more likely than not that he will look to sign with a team that gives him more of a chance to actually see the field.

That's where a team like the Vikings come into play, who recently lost their starting rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, to a season-ending injury.

The Patriots cutting Bailey Zappe might gift the Vikings the perfect quarterback addition

There's speculation that they are comfortable with Sam Darnold as their starter in his place, but given his history in the league, Minnesota might want to beef up their backups for when the inevitable happens with Darnold.

If and when he starts seeing ghosts, they might want to turn to another player who has proven he can take advantage of the opportunities given to him and perform under pressure. He might be far from perfect and a bit erratic at times, but Zappe could be a solid option for the Vikings to consider.

They have a great supporting offensive cast that would allow him to thrive, far more than he ever did with the Patriots, and could contribute enough to add some more wins to their season.

Now that he will be a free agent, Minnesota could sign him for virtually nothing. Zappe might be more interested in signing with them anyway because he should have more of an opportunity to play there than with most other teams who might express interest.

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