3 teams that should trade for Teddy Bridgewater right now

On the heels of the Carolina Panthers acquiring Sam Darnold, these three teams should now trade for Teddy Bridgewater.

The NFL quarterback carousel took another spin on Monday, as the Carolina Panthers have acquired Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. On the surface, he’ll now compete with Teddy Bridgewater for the starting job.

But, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers will give up a 2021 sixth-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick. They will also pick up Darnold’s fifth year option for 2022, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

That sounds like a quarterback they’re trying to commit to, albeit after falling short on some bigger fish (Deshaun Watson) and being unlikely to land one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

Bridgewater had an unremarkable season as the Panthers starter in 2020, with 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 starts. The team has made no secret of their plan to replace him, and Darnold became the best option.

Barring the aforementioned competition for the starting job, Bridgewater is now seemingly on the trade block. So who should consider making a deal for him?

3 teams who should trade for Teddy Bridgewater right now

New England Patriots

The Patriots re-signed Cam Newton, and a more normal offseason should help things for him going into next season. They may also be taking a look at the quarterback prospects in this year’s class, but much like the Panthers they’ll likely be left out of the loop for one of the top options. Jarrett Stidham is behind Newton on the depth chart right now. But Bill Belichick told everyone what he thinks of Stidham when Brian Hoyer started when Newton missed a game last year due to COVID-19.

Bridgewater would at least be more viable competition for Newton, and the Patriots will add some one way or another.

Washington Football Team

Ryan Fitzpatrick would be a whole lot of fun as the WFT’s presumptive starting quarterback this year, and Taylor Heinicke was re-signed. But drafting a quarterback is clearly on their radar, perhaps as early as the 19th-overall pick. Again, as with a lot of teams who aren’t in the top-10, or even top-fie now, getting a top quarterback prospect is unlikely.

A competition between Fitzpatrick and Bridgewater would be fun, if only for the stark contrast in styles. Maybe the defending NFC East champions make an offer.

Chicago Bears

The Bears are trying hard to talk themselves into Andy Dalton. But he is only a bridge to the next quarterback, perhaps one taken in this year’s draft even. Nick Foles is lined up to be the primary backup to Dalton in 2021, unless he’s supplanted or somehow traded.

As unimpressive as Bridgewater is from a skill standpoint, the Bears don’t need another quarterback of that ilk. The metaphor of reshuffling deck chairs on the Titanic fits, but that’s how it is with Chicago’s quarterback situation and trade for Bridgewater can’t be ruled out.