4 options if the Panthers move on from Teddy Bridgewater in 2022
By Dean Jones
What options do the Carolina Panthers have if they move on from Teddy Bridgewater in 2022?
Teddy Bridgewater remains a polarizing figure to large sections of the Carolina Panthers fanbase. This has a lot to do with their loyalty towards former signal-caller Cam Newton following his acrimonious departure from the organization this offseason, but there are also some who question whether the former first-round pick can get them where they need to go.
Bridgewater is a solid game manager who is probably just what the Carolina Panthers need at this juncture. This is a period of transition for the franchise and the Louisville product is an accurate thrower who provides solid production, albeit not to the level of excitement that Newton gave them during a glittering spell that saw the iconic figure secure MVP honors in 2015.
Whether Bridgewater is the man to take them on the next stage of their journey is another matter. The Panthers do have an out regarding his deal in 2022 and it will be up to the player to leave no doubt regarding his long-term aspirations in Carolina.
If it doesn’t work out as expected, here are four possible options for the Panthers if they decide to move on from Bridgewater in 2022.
Option No. 1
P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers
P.J. Walker showed glimpses of enormous promise in his first NFL start in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. This won’t be enough to give him the No. 1 job going forward by any stretch of the imagination. But if Bridgewater’s inability to stretch the field and make the most out of the playmakers at his disposal, then it might have some clamoring to see more of the former XFL MVP candidate.
It is important to temper expectations where Walker is concerned. It was just one game and much more will be needed to truly contest for the starting job. However, he does have far superior arm strength to Bridgewater and also looks more mobile, so providing he develops further in the coming months than making him the long-term starter is not out of the realm of possibility.