Can Teddy Bridgewater help Will Grier reach his potential?

How can Bridgewater help Grier?

The Carolina Panthers drafted Will Grier with a view to possibly becoming the team’s long-term successor at quarterback. At the very least, the former West Virginia standout had the potential to be a high-quality backup that could fill a starting void once he fully acclimatized to life in the NFL.

Throwing four interceptions in limited time on the field during the back end of Grier’s rookie campaign was far from ideal. But little will be expected of him following Teddy Bridgewater’s arrival and this can work to his benefit.

Whether he is the No.2 or No. 3 option by the time competitive action gets underway is irrelevant. Grier’s time under center last season proved he was not ready and taking him out of the firing line to learn at his own pace is the best way for the player to possibly reach his potential.

Bridgewater’s story is an inspirational one. He has made another go of his career after nearly losing his leg during a freak training camp incident with the Minnesota Vikings and now gets another starting opportunity with the Carolina Panthers after signing a three-year, $63 million deal that included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed.

The former Louisville standout might have a calm and fun-loving exterior. But he is renowned for being a methodical locker room leader than will be only too willing to assist Grier with whatever the player needs to get better and improve his long-term prospects.

It’s easy to forget that Bridgewater was considered one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterback prospects before his devastating injury. Having someone with such an inspirational story to tell is something Grier can use to his advantage early and often.