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UPDATE: Teddy Bridgewater will become a Panther according to multiple reports.
Panthers are working to complete a deal with Teddy Bridgewater, source confirmed, as others have reported. Bridgewater is set to pass up other opportunities and become the starter in Carolina as Cam Newton exits.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) March 17, 2020
We could be looking at one of the biggest free agency periods in recent memory if some of the notable names actually hit the open market. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Derrick Henry are just a few of the big names set to hit unrestricted free agency when the new league year opens on March 18th. One or more stands a good chance of signing a contract with their current team before then, but there is a chance one or more is taking calls when the tampering period opens on March 16th.
2019 in review
The Saints made Teddy Bridgewater the highest paid backup in the NFL prior to last season as an insurance policy behind starting QB Drew Brees. Their signing of Bridgewater ended up paying off, as a thumb injury to Brees forced Bridgewater to make five starts. Bridgewater went a perfect 5-0 in his five starts and posted good numbers. Bridgewater’s passer rating of 99.1 was better than the 2019 league average of 90.4. His 7.1 yards gained per pass attempt was about league average, and his 9-to-2 touchdown to interception ratio was also strong.
Possible destinations
Bridgewater reportedly has a strong market among teams in transition who are in need of a bridge quarterback. And with Drew Brees resigning with New Orleans, Bridgewater will almost certainly be on the move. So which teams could use a quarterback like Teddy? Well, if they want to put stock in a transitional guy, the Patriots and the Steelers may have some interest. The Chargers are among the most likely destinations, as we’ve seen in some rumors.
Do the Saints want to keep him?
The Saints have made the decision to stick with Drew Brees, after the veteran QB announced that he will be returning for another season. Bridgewater’s price tag will only go up, and unless New Orleans wants to throw even more money at a backup, it’s safe to say that the Saints won’t be holding on to Teddy.
Fantasy implications
Obviously, Bridgewater will need to sign elsewhere if he’s to have any fantasy value. If he does end up on the Chargers, he will have a fairly potent offense, which would catapult him into fantasy relevance. Los Angeles is probably the most enticing landing spot for Bridgewater as a QB1 pick.
Rumored interest
Los Angeles Chargers
According to Bleacher Report NFL insider Mike Freeman, the Chargers have been constantly “attached” to Teddy Bridgewater.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A GM told NFL reporter Mike Sando, “I am hearing Tampa Bay is hot on Bridgewater.” Jameis Winston is a free agent for the Bucs and a decision has not been made about what they want to do with him.