EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 10: Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the New York Jets in action during the preseason National Football League game between the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons on August 10, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
Teddy Bridgewater is on the move again as the Saints trade for the former Vikings quarterback.
Another quarterback is on the move this offseason in the NFL. With what is likely going to be the last major quarterback acquisition of the offseason, Teddy Bridgewater is moving for a second time in 2018. The New York Jets traded Bridgewater to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for rumored draft picks.
Bridgewater joined the Jets early in the offseason after the Vikings acquired Kirk Cousins. A nasty non-contact ACL injury saw Bridgewater sidelined for the entire 2016 season and most of the 2017 season, as well. At the time, Bridgewater was on pace to becoming the Vikings franchise quarterback. He lost his starting quarterback role last season when Case Keenum led Minnesota to a stellar season. The former Louisville star’s time was over in Minnesota. He joined the Jets shortly thereafter, but is now on the move again. However, being traded to the Saints is a blessing in disguise for the youngster.
Still just 25, Bridgewater is now poised to be the backup in New Orleans. While he’s in the same position on the depth chart at either destination, the situation is vastly different. In New Orleans, he will backup an aging Drew Brees. The Saints have been on the hunt for a young successor to their long-time quarterback for quite some time. In Bridgewater, they are looking to take a gamble on a low-risk, high-reward talent for the future. If things go according to plan, Bridgewater will learn under Brees for a few years and take the reigns when the 39-year-old calls it quits.
Meanwhile, in New York, Bridgewater would’ve been backing up rookie Sam Darnold. Darnold has shown signs of promise throughout the entire preseason and looks to be the quarterback the Jets thought he was. Therefore, the chances of Bridgewater starting the regular season were slim to none. And if he didn’t start this season, the only chance of him seeing the field in meaningful games would be a Darnold injury. Now, both quarterbacks benefit as Darnold is likely the week one starter and Bridgewater gets to learn under one of the best.