4 quotes that signal the end for Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t been given a vote of confidence by senior figures within the Carolina Panthers organization after an indifferent 2020 campaign.
It seems as if the speculation regarding Teddy Bridgewater‘s future is only going to get worse in the coming weeks. The free-agent signing just hasn’t performed to a level that makes people confident in his ability to get the Carolina Panthers back into postseason contention, which is a real disappointment considering the faith placed in the player last year.
Bridgewater will know his performances down the stretch weren’t good enough. But whether he’ll get another chance to occupy the position under center remains to be seen.
There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of financial incentives to release the player after the Panthers gave him a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed, which equates to an astronomical dead-cap figure of $20 million with early termination.
Just not a smart move with finances nowhere near the expected level due to COVID-19.
However, the front office will be looking for additional options for the position to compete with Bridgewater, at the very least. But if some recent quotes from leading figures within the franchise are any indication, his place on the roster might also be in some serious doubt.
Let’s take a look at four statements that might signal the end for Bridgewater in Carolina after just one season.
Quote No. 1
"“We’ll look to be in on every deal.” – Scott Fitterer"
The Carolina Panthers could make a big trade
Scott Fitterer’s introductory press conference as general manager was an eye-opener. While the new appointment didn’t go into specific discussions regarding players, it didn’t take a genius to figure out that the team is going to make some changes at the quarterback position.
His “we’ll be in on every deal” might mean the Panthers could be in the market for a bombshell trade, with names like Deshaun Watson and Matthew Stafford being rumored with a move to Carolina.
Not having much in the way of draft capital in 2021 is going to hurt their pursuit of a franchise-changing player at quarterback. But it will not stop the Panthers from trying to find an upgrade to Bridgewater if early statements are any indication.