Teddy Bridgewater rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

4. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton seems on track to be fine for Week 1 after shoulder surgery in January. But two years ago the Indianapolis Colts were beating the same drum with Andrew Luck, and he wound up sitting out a whole season. It’s also worth noting Newton has had surgery on his throwing shoulder in two of the last three offseasons.

The Panthers went with Taylor Heinicke (who also wound up injured) and Kyle Allen when Newton was shut down at the end of last season, so a better backup plan under center has to be on the agenda. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner held the same post with the Vikings when Bridgewater was drafted, and Bridgewater started 29 games (including playoffs) in Turner’s system.

There’s no clear path to the starting job in Carolina right now, assuming Newton is actually good to go by the time next season starts. But the Panthers should have a fair level of interest in Bridgewater, if only based on his familiarity with Turner’s offense, and as they keep an eye on the quarterback market in general the fit is there. A repeat of last year with the Jets, with a strong preseason showing yielding a trade to a team that needs a quarterback more urgently, could happen in Carolina for Bridgewater.