Examining the Saints’ connection forming with the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Former Saints on the Carolina Panthers: Offense (Teddy Bridgewater, Keith Kirkwood, Chris Manhertz)
The most notable arrival at the Carolina Panthers with connections to the New Orleans Saints is Teddy Bridgewater. The signal-caller finally got a chance for a more prolonged starting role with another franchise after going 5-0 in Drew Brees’ absence last season.
Bridgewater signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Panthers that included a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed. He will now be tasked with leading the organization through a period of transition and lead a talented looking offense back to prominence.
Carolina Panthers: No excuses for Teddy Bridgewater in 2020. light. Related Story
The signal-caller has gone through his fair share of adversity during a storied career to date. A period of stability and good fortune is needed for the player. But given the qualities he showed for the Saints last season, it would be a surprise if he did not make the most out of this opportunity.
Another former Saint that could end up playing a role in 2020 is Keith Kirkwood. The wide receiver is something of a forgotten option behind star trio D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Curtis Samuel. But he has a good chance of earning the No. 4 wideout spot in training camp.
Kirkwood showed some promising signs for the Saints after emerging from the practice squad in 2018. His progress was significantly hampered by a hamstring injury last season. But he now gets another chance with the Panthers after signing a one-year deal worth $800,000.
The final former Saints’ player on offense is tight end Chris Manhertz. The player is heading into the final year of his deal in Carolina and could see more game time following the departure of Greg Olsen.
What competitive action Manhertz sees will ultimately come down to the production of Ian Thomas. The player was part of the Saints’ set-up in 2015 and 2016 before moving to the Panthers.