Best and worst-case scenarios for Teddy Bridgewater in 2021
By Dean Jones
What will happen to Teddy Bridgewater?
The writing is on the wall where Teddy Bridgewater is concerned. His contract makes it difficult to release the player completely, so when the Carolina Panthers get their replacement of choice – whoever that may be – then a possible move for their current No. 1 option won’t be far behind.
This might be a little harsh on Bridgewater considering the pass protection wasn’t exactly stellar and running back Christian McCaffrey featured in just three games, but his clear regression and lack of any real confidence down the stretch leaves Carolina with no option other than to make plans that don’t involve him.
Owner David Tepper is going to be hugely influential in this decision. The billionaire has invested a substantial amount getting the right sort of people in place – which he now has for the first time – so unless strides are made, and quickly, the pressure will be on.
It doesn’t appear as if the Houston Texans are too keen on taking Bridgewater as part of any deal for Deshaun Watson, so the best solution from the Panthers’ perspective would be to seek a trade with another team and get a mid-round NFL Draft pick in return.
Signing Bridgewater was a swing and a miss by the Panthers and played a leading role in Marty Hurney being fired as general manager for the second time. Carolina cannot get their next quarterback decision wrong, but it appears as if their marquee free-agent signing in 2020 is heading out of the door after just 15 games.