Teddy Bridgewater had to start for the New Orleans Saints earlier this season and could earn an incentive in Week 17. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Bridgewater would earn a $250,000 bonus for throwing one more touchdown pass on Sunday versus the Carolina Panthers.
Saints’ QB Teddy Bridgewater, who has nine touchdown passes this season, gets a $250,000 bonus if he throws 10 touchdown passes this season. So Bridgewater needs one TD pass today vs. Panthers for a $250,000 bonus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2019
Back in Week 2, Drew Brees suffered a significant thumb injury against the Los Angeles Rams. As a result, the team was forced to deploy Bridgewater as the quarterback until Brees could return to the field.
In his five starts, Bridgewater was able to complete 69.7 percent of his attempts for 1,205 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Above all, Bridgewater led New Orleans to a 5-0 record and kept the team atop the division during Brees' absence.
Article Continues BelowWhile he did a remarkable job filling in for Brees, one more touchdown pass could've netted him $250k. It could be tough for the veteran quarterback to throw a touchdown with New Orleans still fighting for better seeding in the playoffs in Week 17.
Given that, the Saints are going to play all of their starters in Sunday's pivotal game versus the Panthers. But if the Saints take an early lead in the game, Sean Payton could choose to give Bridgewater some snaps with the offense.
In addition, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Payton incorporate a play for Bridgewater to toss a touchdown so he can achieve his incentive. Even if he doesn't reach 10 touchdown passes, New Orleans could also pay Bridgewater the $250k to thank him for keeping the offense afloat amid the injury to Brees.