Teddy Bridgewater’s 4-year journey from leg injury to Panthers starter
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater’s time with the New York Jets
Teddy Bridgewater did not last long on the free-agent market and signed for the New York Jets on a deal that might have been worth $15 million had he reached incentives. This was a realistic opportunity for the player to make a starting position his own once again. But it might have been a little too soon for him in hindsight.
Bridgewater was a primary backup during his time with the organization. He found opportunities limited despite the Jets’ struggles overall and this left more questions than answers regarding his long-term aspirations to fully recover from such a devastating injury.
The signal-caller was making all the right noises at MetLife Stadium. Uncertainty surrounding the knee continued to blight him during the briefest of spells with the organization. But this might have been a blessing in disguise in the grand scheme of things.
He did see some preseason action with moderate success. This was another big step forward for Bridgewater both for his confidence and rehabilitation. But this incredible saga was to take another dramatic turn prior to the 2018 season.
When it looked like all hope was lost for Bridgewater, he received a lifeline in the form of a trade to the Carolina Panthers’ NFC South rival New Orleans Saints. This would be nothing short of career-changing.