3 things that must happen before Teddy Bridgewater is traded

Compensation must be agreed

Once the financial implications surrounding a potential trade have been agreed and finalized, then it comes down to the small matter of compensation. The Carolina Panthers are unlikely to want too much for Teddy Bridgewater after everything that’s transpired since the 2020 season came to a conclusion, so perhaps one draft pick is all it will take to rubber-stamp the deal.

General manager Scott Fitterer gained a strong reputation for picking up some late-round gems during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. So if the Panthers could possibly get another mid-rounder in exchange for Bridgewater, they’d be wise to accept.

Teams will also know how desperate Carolina is to part ways with the player, who’ll become an undoubted distraction at OTAs and training camp. This could have an adverse effect on Sam Darnold’s ability to adjust to new surroundings, so the sooner he’s no longer around, the better.

Realistically speaking, somewhere in the region of a fourth or fifth-round pick might be too tempting to ignore at this stage. This would allow Bridgewater to try and make a go of things elsewhere and give the Panthers a valuable selection to strengthen problem areas moving forward.

This is a win-win for all parties involved. But there is much work to be done in order for a trade to take place before the 2021 NFL Draft.