4 teams who could trade for Teddy Bridgewater as a backup
By Dean Jones
San Francisco 49ers
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the San Francisco 49ers were one of the teams that called about Teddy Bridgewater’s availability. Talks have reportedly stalled between any interested party and the Carolina Panthers, which could be down to the fact that a replacement has yet to be secured by the franchise.
The Niners seem intent with keeping Jimmy Garoppolo as their starter. But considering the injury problems he suffered in 2020, bringing in a capable veteran presence to put behind him on the depth chart that can step in at a moment’s notice seems like the smart way to go.
This is a win-win for both parties, providing Carolina gets their desired choice either via trade, in free agency, or the 2021 NFL Draft.
The former second-round pick has an exceptional record as a starter. However, San Francisco needs a better insurance policy to ensure that momentum isn’t lost in the same manner as when Garroppolo got hurt in 2020.
It’s highly unlikely that the Panthers are going to ask for anything more than a mid-round pick in return in their bid to get Bridgewater off the books. The Niners have $27.69 million in spare cap-space heading into free agency, so they could take the financial hit and still have enough left over to keep their roster competitive.