4 trades that could see Teddy Bridgewater leave the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater returns to the Vikings
This deal would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. It would give the Carolina Panthers a reliable pass-catching tight end and another draft pick, in addition to sending Teddy Bridgewater back to the place where it all began.
Mike Zimmer is arguably Bridgewater’s biggest fan. There is still a close bond between the player and head coach, so if the Minnesota Vikings do decide to bring in additional competition or even a replacement for Kirk Cousins this offseason, then this becomes even more realistic.
Minnesota would need to overcome some significant salary-cap concerns to make this deal happen. But they have a lorryload of mid-round draft picks that can be used as potential trade bait and Kyle Rudolph‘s future appears less than certain due to his contract and unhappiness with a lesser role.
Rudolph voiced his displeasure regarding his usage in the Vikings’ offense this season, which saw the former Notre Dame star targeted just 37 times over a 12-game span.
Not having a reliable presence across the middle is something that hurt the Panthers in 2020. Rudolph has demonstrated a nous for making big plays in crucial moments – especially in the red zone throughout his career – and his ability to block well is another notable element to his game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The player is owed $7.65 million in base salary next season and still has three years remaining on his deal. But Carolina could cut him at minimal cost in 2022 if things don’t work out.