‘Multiple teams’ interested in trading for Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Panthers are going in a different direction at quarterback after one failed season with Teddy Bridgewater as their starter. Following their trade to acquire Sam Darnold of the Jets, the team is allowing Bridgewater to seek a trade of his own, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport has also reported that “multiple teams” are interested.
There’s no solid reporting as to which teams they are, but the one that’s most commonly mentioned in the rumor mill is the Broncos. Drew Lock may have looked like a beast feasting on Carolina’s young defense last season, but Denver doesn’t have much reason to be sold on Lock as a long-term starter as of yet. Bridgewater would make sense as competition or a backup with a strong potential to start if Lock struggles in 2021.
The Bears also have good reason to be interested despite their strange flex of naming Andy Dalton as their starter six months before the season starts after striking out in an attempt to deal for Russell Wilson.
Whoever wants Bridgewater, we can safely assume that they’re not interested in taking him on without an adjustment to his contract. Teddy has $10 million in guaranteed money this year and a base salary of $17 million. To facilitate a deal, the Panthers will have to work out some sort of paycut or agree to pay a portion of Bridgewater’s salary as part of any deal.
