Teddy Bridgewater Seeks NFL Return – Panthers, Saints Could Go After Him……

As the NFL season marches forward, with teams assessing their rosters and strategizing for both the present and future, one intriguing storyline has emerged: the potential return of veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to the league. After a period of uncertainty and a bit of a hiatus from starting duties, Bridgewater is reportedly looking for a return to the field, sparking interest among several teams in need of quarterback depth and leadership.

This news has raised eyebrows across the league, particularly among teams that have experienced quarterback injuries, inconsistent play, or who are looking for a veteran presence to push or back up their younger quarterbacks. Among the most notable teams linked to Bridgewater’s return are the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, two franchises with which he has a storied history and could potentially benefit from his services.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore Teddy Bridgewater’s career, his potential return to the NFL, what teams could be interested in signing him, and why the Panthers and Saints specifically could be key suitors. We’ll also analyze the broader landscape of the NFL quarterback market and how Bridgewater fits into that dynamic.

Teddy Bridgewater’s Career: A Look Back

Teddy Bridgewater’s NFL journey has been both inspiring and tragic in equal measure. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Bridgewater quickly became the face of the Vikings’ franchise, leading them to a playoff appearance in his second season. However, the promise of Bridgewater’s young career came crashing down in 2016, when a catastrophic knee injury during a practice session forced him to miss the entire 2016 season. The knee injury was severe enough to cast doubt on his ability to ever return to the NFL at a high level.

Despite the grim prognosis, Bridgewater’s resilience shone through. After two years of grueling rehabilitation, he signed with the New York Jets in 2018, where he served as a backup quarterback behind Sam Darnold. It was with the Jets that Bridgewater was able to prove that he still had the ability to be an effective player, even if it was in a backup role. His next chapter took him to the New Orleans Saints, where he spent the 2018 season backing up Drew Brees.

In 2019, with Brees sidelined due to injury, Bridgewater stepped into the starting role and performed admirably, leading the Saints to a perfect 5-0 record during his time as the starting quarterback. That performance resurrected his career and opened up new opportunities. Bridgewater signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 on a three-year, $63 million deal, becoming their starting quarterback. Though the Panthers’ overall performance was disappointing, with a 5-11 record, Bridgewater’s individual numbers were solid. He threw for 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, showing that he could still be an effective starting quarterback in the league.

Bridgewater’s tenure in Carolina was short-lived, as the Panthers made a change at quarterback in 2021, acquiring Sam Darnold in a trade with the New York Jets. Bridgewater was traded to the Denver Broncos, where he would again start for a season, but his time there was marred by inconsistency and injury. After the 2021 season, Bridgewater became a free agent and has since been biding his time, patiently waiting for another opportunity to get back into the league.

Bridgewater’s Return: A Glimmer of Hope for 2024

The news that Teddy Bridgewater is looking for a return to the NFL in 2024 has generated considerable buzz. While many NFL teams are looking for either a long-term solution at quarterback or simply trying to find a stable backup, Bridgewater offers something unique: a combination of experience, poise, and leadership. He’s a player who has spent years in the league and proven that he can step into the starting role when needed, but he’s also content in a backup position, providing invaluable mentorship to younger quarterbacks.

So why would a team consider Bridgewater in 2024? There are several reasons:

1. Veteran Presence and Leadership: Teams like the Panthers and Saints, both of whom have young quarterbacks or inconsistent starter situations, could greatly benefit from Bridgewater’s experience. His leadership qualities were a key component of his earlier successes, and that would be valuable for a team needing a mentor for their future signal-caller.
2. Solid Backup with Starting Potential: Bridgewater has proven that he can fill in as a starter and win games in the NFL. For teams that are unsure of their quarterback depth, Bridgewater could provide a reliable safety net. He’s not a Hall of Famer, but he is a capable, steady hand under center, and that kind of stability is a rarity in the NFL.
3. Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing: Bridgewater’s relatively low profile in recent seasons, combined with his strong reputation as a backup and spot starter, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to shore up their quarterback room without making a major financial commitment. He wouldn’t demand a massive contract, and his familiarity with several offensive systems makes him an easy fit for many teams.
4. Health and Conditioning: One of the biggest concerns surrounding Bridgewater throughout his career has been his health, particularly after the devastating knee injury in 2016. However, after years of rehab and a few seasons of solid play, Bridgewater has proven that he can remain healthy. If he’s fully recovered and in top shape, he could provide a real boost to a team’s quarterback depth.

Teams That Could Be Interested in Teddy Bridgewater

As of the 2024 offseason, several teams may find themselves in need of a quarterback, either due to injury, poor performance, or uncertainty about their starter. Bridgewater’s skill set and experience could make him an appealing option for several franchises looking to stabilize their quarterback situation.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers could be one of the most logical landing spots for Bridgewater. The Panthers have gone through a turbulent few years at quarterback, drafting their potential future starter, Bryce Young, with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the rookie quarterback has shown the typical growing pains that come with playing in the NFL at such a young age. The team has struggled to find consistent play at the position, and while Young’s upside is significant, he could benefit from a steady veteran presence in the locker room and during practices.

Bridgewater is already familiar with the Panthers’ system, having played there in 2020. His brief tenure was marred by inconsistency from the rest of the team, but Bridgewater’s individual performance was steady. With a better supporting cast and an improved offensive line, Bridgewater could provide some much-needed depth and mentorship for Young.

Moreover, Panthers head coach Frank Reich has expressed a desire for stability at quarterback, and Bridgewater’s ability to step in and win games makes him a strong candidate to fill that role. As a veteran with starting experience, Bridgewater could also act as a bridge between Young and the team’s long-term future at quarterback, providing invaluable guidance and leadership.

New Orleans Saints

Another team that could be interested in Bridgewater’s services is the New Orleans Saints. Bridgewater has a long history with the Saints, having spent several seasons as a backup to Drew Brees. In 2019, when Brees went down with an injury, Bridgewater stepped in and went 5-0 as the starting quarterback, earning the respect of both the team and its fanbase.

The Saints’ quarterback situation has been in flux since Brees’ retirement. Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton have both been used as starters, with limited success. Winston, in particular, has struggled with turnovers, while Dalton is a solid veteran but not viewed as a long-term solution. The Saints could benefit from bringing in Bridgewater, not only for his experience but also for his ability to step into the starting lineup and win games when needed. Bridgewater has a great understanding of head coach Dennis Allen’s system and would likely be able to contribute quickly if called upon.

Additionally, the Saints are a team with playoff aspirations and could view Bridgewater as a solid backup to a starter or as a veteran presence who could help steady the offense in critical situations.

The Broader Quarterback Market in 2024

The quarterback market in the NFL is always fluid, with teams constantly evaluating their options and trying to find stability at the most important position in sports. With injuries, inconsistent play, and the inevitable retirement or decline of older quarterbacks, the need for backup quarterbacks and potential spot starters is as high as ever. Teddy Bridgewater’s name could emerge as a high-quality option for several teams in 2024, as the market remains filled with question marks at quarterback.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, who have been rebuilding, and the Los Angeles Rams, who could look to add veteran depth behind Matthew Stafford, could also be interested in a player like Bridgewater. His ability to adapt to different offensive systems, combined with his leadership qualities, makes him a reliable option in a constantly shifting quarterback landscape.

Conclusion

Teddy Bridgewater’s potential return to the NFL is a compelling storyline for 2024. Whether he ends up with the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, or another team in need of a veteran quarterback, there’s no question that Bridgewater still has value in the NFL. His leadership, poise, and proven ability to step in as a starter make him a strong candidate to contribute in a meaningful way. For teams looking to stabilize their quarterback room, Bridgewater is an option they cannot afford to overlook.

As the offseason progresses, keep an eye on the quarterback market. Teddy Bridgewater’s next chapter could be just around the corner, and if he’s given the right opportunity, he could once again prove that he belongs at the top level of the NFL.