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The Carolina Panthers have already landed a new quarterback as they manufactured a trade with the New York Jets for gunslinger Sam Darnold. The arrival of the USC product now leaves Teddy Bridgewater as the odd man out in the team's quarterback room.
According to NFL‘s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are reportedly allowing Bridgewater to have a dialogue with teams as they attempt to find a trade for him. Despite the situation, the team isn't completely ruling out Bridgewater's potential return to the team next season though it is expected that he will be limited to a backup role if ever.
Following the trade for Sam Darnold, the #Panthers spoke with QB Teddy Bridgewater and allowed him the opportunity to talk with teams to potentially facilitate a trade, sources say. Carolina is open to Bridgewater returning, but will give him a chance to have a say in his future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2021
In his debut season with the team, Bridgewater racked up a total of 3,733 passing yards on 340 completions to go with 15 touchdowns. His performance was respectable though he could've done more if he only had better weapons downfield. Not to mention that star running back Christian McCaffrey missed the majority of the 2020 season due to a couple of injuries.
Bridgewater's production didn't get to have a huge impact on the Panthers as they still settled with a lowly 5-11 record for the third spot in the NFC South. After encountering a tough 2020 campaign, the team's front office quickly went to work in search of an upgrade in the quarterback position.
On Monday night, the Panthers finally found their man in Darnold whom they acquired in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round selection, along with second-and fourth-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. On the other side of the fence, the Jets are also looking to have a new gunslinger at the helm as they are currently armed with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft. With a high selection, Gang Green can still get their hands on one of the top prospects in either Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, or Justin Fields.
The Panthers are hoping that a change in scenery could do him a huge favor as he tries to get back on the right track. Ironically, the same goes for Teddy Bridgewater who is seeking to start all over again with a new team heading to the 2021 NFL season.