Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is expected to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints on a contract extension. Bridgewater was a first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, and spent last season with the Saints.
The #Saints expected to hold onto Teddy Bridgewater, per @SlaterNFL. Makes sense, as the heir apparent to Drew Brees. https://t.co/mK8p9GC0Iy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Teddy Bridgewater Signs Extension With the New Orleans Saints
Bridgewater entered his second consecutive year as an unrestricted free agent after having signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets at the beginning of the 2018 season. Subsequently, New York traded Bridgewater to the Saints on August 29, 2018. As compensation for Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick, the Saints sent a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
Bridgewater spent the 2018 campaign backing up Drew Brees. His only game action came in a Week 17 loss against the Carolina Panthers. Noticeably rusty, Bridgewater completed 14 of 23 passes for 118 yards and one touchdown and one interception. The start was Bridgewater’s first game action since a 10-9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round of the 2015 season.
During his rookie season, Bridgewater showed the promise that made him a collegiate star at Louisville. He started 12 games his rookie season after taking over for Matt Cassel in Week Three. Bridgewater finished the season with 2,919 yards and a 64.4 percent completion rate. He also had 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was named quarterback for the All-Rookie team.
Bridgewater led the Vikings to an 11-5 record and the NFC North title in only his second season. He finished the season completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 3,231 yards. He threw 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. As a result, Bridgewater earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.
Before the start the 2016 season, Bridgewater’s rise came to crashing halt. On August 30, 2016, Bridgewater dislocated his knee and tore his ACL during practice. The non-contact injury caused Bridgewater to miss the entire 2016 season.
With Bridgewater expected to miss both the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Minnesota declined the fifth-year option on Bridgewater’s rookie contract. He would become a free agent following the 2017 season.
Remarkably, Bridgewater was able to return to practice prior to Week Six of the 2017 season. He also appeared in relief of starter Case Keenum in Week 15.
Bridgewater is considered a dual-threat quarterback. How much injury has limited his running ability remains to be seen. He possesses a strong understanding of the game and excels at reading through his progressions. Bridgewater is patient, intelligent, competitive, and tough. Considered a rhythm quarterback, his strength comes in the short passing game.
Once considered a rising star, Bridgewater has the potential to become an NFL star. However, due to injury and considerable time away from the game, his future impact on the game remains uncertain.
