Could the Colts try and trade for Teddy Bridgewater?
By Dean Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are on the lookout for a new quarterback after Philip Rivers announced his retirement, but would Teddy Bridgewater be a good fit?
Philip Rivers ended his storied NFL career by announcing his retirement after 17 seasons. The charismatic signal-caller is sure to be a Pro Football Hall of Famer one day. But his decision to walk away leaves the Indianapolis Colts short at the quarterback position and Teddy Bridgewater might be an option worth considering if they choose to go down the trade route.
Bridgewater suffered his fair share of problems down the stretch after signing for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. This has left plenty wondering just what sort of future the player has with the organization and judging by recent events and speculation, the decision-makers are clearly looking at additional reinforcements to compete with the 2014 first-round pick in 2021.
The Colts have just Jacob Eason contracted at quarterback at the present time, although there is a chance they re-sign Jacoby Brissett to compensate for Rivers’ retirement. They have an elite offensive line, an emerging running back in Jonathan Taylor, and a formidable defense, so it would be an attractive proposition for any player looking for a new challenge.
This is a category Bridgewater might find himself in.
But it is all dependent on what the Panthers do at the position before OTAs are scheduled to begin.
Teddy Bridgewater faces an uncertain future with the Carolina Panthers.
The trade rumors continue to build regarding a bombshell move for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Sean Ryan’s appointment has only fanned the flames having worked with the player previously and one would suspect that Bridgewater might be included in any package to bring the former Clemson star back to the Carolinas.
If this doesn’t pan out, then other options include bringing in a veteran during free agency or, perhaps more likely, selecting an exciting prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Either way, Bridgewater has his work cut out to turn things around.
There are sure to be plenty of options on the table for the Colts. Frank Reich’s connections to Carson Wentz might see a possible reunion in Indianapolis – which they could afford with a lorryload of free salary-cap space at their disposal.
Bridgewater wasn’t exactly helped by a lack of protection – especially during critical moments of games – which is a problem he wouldn’t have with the Colts despite their stud left tackle Anthony Castonzo also hanging up his cleats.
On the face of things, the move appears unlikely.
But stranger things have happened in the NFL.
The former Louisville standout is accurate with the football and now has a full season of prolonged starting experience under his belt, which Bridgewater hasn’t had since 2015 after fighting back from a serious injury that was almost career-ending.
There is also Bridgewater’s contract to consider, which has an out after the 2021 season if things don’t progress either in Carolina or elsewhere. Given that Indianapolis already bet on a short-term option in Rivers that came with a playoff loss, they might be on the lookout for a bit more stability this time around.
The Colts will likely consider every possible avenue before making their final decision. But where Bridgewater is concerned, it is going to be a dramatic few weeks with almost constant scrutiny and speculation.