Carolina Panthers sign Teddy Bridgewater: grade, reactions, and more
By Ryan Brown
After going 5-0 in replacement of an injured Drew Brees, Teddy Bridgewater finally gets his shot again as a franchise quarterback with the Carolina Panthers.
Teddy Bridgewater started his career with the Minnesota Vikings after being selected as the final pick in the first round of the 2014 draft. In 2014, Bridgewater was named Pepsi Rookie of the Year and in 2015 he made his first Pro Bowl.
During a practice before the 2016 season, Bridgewater suffered a devastating non-contact injury that took nearly two years to recover from.
Before the 2018 season, Bridgewater signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets before being traded to the New Orleans Saints a couple months later. This proved to be a valuable addition for the Saints.
When quarterback Drew Brees was injury during the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Bridgewater was finally given his chance again to play in a starting role at quarterback. In the five games that Brees was recovering from his injury, Bridgewater led the Saints to a 5-0 record against good competition.
In those five games, Bridgewater completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 1,205 yards, nine touchdowns to only two interceptions, and a 103.7 passer rating. He was widely criticized as only a game manager, but proved in a couple spots during that stretch that he could also make plays necessary to win games without making any mistakes.
One thing he had going for him was a great offensive line, something Carolina currently lacks. To keep Teddy healthy and help him be competitive in a tough division, the Panthers will have to surround him with talent, especially on the offensive line.
With the Panthers supposedly in rebuild though, it might be rough going for Bridgewater.
Contract Details
Chris Mortensen reported a three-year deal in the range of $60 million. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that the deal agreed upon will be a three-year, $63 million contract, including $33 million guaranteed upon signing. He’ll get $24 million in the first year, including a $15 million signing bonus.
National Reaction
The Panthers and Teddy Bridgewater are negotiating a 3-year contract in the $60 million range, per source. The deal is not done as they work out details but it is expected to be complete when new league year opens Wednesday.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 17, 2020
Couldn't be happier for @teddyb_h2o! Earned & deserved! Ready to thrive! https://t.co/i0UjFvvxLg
— Shawn Myszka (@MovementMiyagi) March 17, 2020
I mean this is odd because it doesn't seem really jive with "rebuild" but then again not much coming out of Carolina makes a ton of sense these days. Either way, Teddy is a huge upgrade over Kyle Allen. https://t.co/gfBtdA8rTB
— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) March 17, 2020
Good for Teddy Bridgewater -- a well-earned opportunity to start again in the NFL. But, man, he'll be a tough guy for Saints fans to root against. https://t.co/Td6uQCL2RO
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) March 17, 2020
Panthers overall plan right now doesn't really make a lot of sense on the surface (putting it mildly).
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 17, 2020
But Teddy Bridgwater fits really well with the explosive in space weapons Carolina has - high accuracy/low risk in terms of aggression down the field. Knows the offense too.
Teddy did well to reunite with coordinator Joe Brady in Carolina. May have to beat out a top-10 rookie QB though.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) March 17, 2020
Teddy Bridgewater is a guy we can all root for, no matter what team he's on. Love the landing spot. https://t.co/iCetej5drY
— Matt Franciscovich (@MattFranchise) March 17, 2020
This signing is a huge step for Bridgewater who has worked so hard to come back from his injury. Is he an upgrade over Cam Newton? Maybe not. But he can probably find success in Carolina under new offensive coordinator Joe Brady.