NFL free agency 2018: Best quarterbacks available

The second quarterback on the 2017 Minnesota Vikings that will be a free agent is former first-round pick by the Vikings in Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater had the look and feel of a franchise quarterback heading into his third season in the league in 2016. He was coming off a Pro Bowl year where he helped lead the Vikings to the NFC playoffs. Then the injury happened.

Bridgewater’s devastating preseason injury in 2016 ended his season and everything changed. Many thought he wouldn’t play football again, as the knee injury was that debilitating. Bridgewater did play in one game for the Vikings in 2017, going 0-2 with an interception. But with Sam Bradford’s accuracy and Case Keenum’s winning ways, does Bridgewater have a role with the Vikings in 2017?

Odds are that he’ll remain with the team that drafted him, even though they declined his fifth-year player option due to the gruesome knee injury. Minnesota loves Bridgewater and he could at least backup Bradford or Keenum for one more year before testing the market at full strength. Keep in mind that Bridgewater is still in his mid-20s. He could still have plenty of meaningful football left in the tank.

The bigger question is how much risk is involved in signing Bridgewater. Before his injury, he was a mid-tier franchise quarterback, similar to a Matt Ryan or Jared Goff in terms of physique and athleticism. However, he might be seen as damaged goods and few teams may even sniff at signing him. Regardless, his impending free agency remains that of great intrigue, as anything could happen.