There's an interesting subtext to the drama surrounding Teddy Bridgewater right now. It was originally reported that the young quarterback would be staying with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, but that's no longer certain. Bridgewater will reportedly meet with the Dolphins tonight, as Miami attempts to woo him.
Miami is offering him the chance to start right away, while New Orleans is seemingly giving him the opportunity to be the heir apparent to Drew Brees. This all relies on Sean Payton being the coach of the Saints to eventually transition from Brees to Bridgewater, and there's apparently some doubt about Payton's commitment.
Bridgewater's camp is concerned Payton might not be in New Orleans for the long haul, a source told Clarence E. Hill, Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
There have been rumors that Payton might be interested in one day coaching the Cowboys, and Hill reports those rumors are still alive and well.
Jason Garrett is set to be a lame duck coach as he heads into the final year of his contract in 2019. If he disappoints, he'll almost certainly be fired after next season. That would provide an opening for Payton to jump teams in 2020, and Hill writes that it's impacting the situation at hand.
It's unclear how much of it is true, but there's clearly enough there for Bridgewater and his team to be apprehensive. He has a truly tough call to make. If he goes to the Dolphins he can start right away, but he won't be set up for future success like he is in New Orleans. If he goes to the Dolphins while they're tanking, he might end up starting for just one season on a terrible team, and impacting his future value. It'll be very interesting to see what he decides, and if his decision gives us a clue about Payton's thinking.
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