Panthers news: Matt Rhule has all the confidence in Teddy Bridgewater

Carolina Panthers Matt Rhule was effusive in his praise of his new quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, and revealed he's a player he's long admired.

The Carolina Panthers decided to roll the dice on free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater this offseason by signing the 27-year-old signal-caller to a three-year, $63 million contract. The Panthers aren't only going into the 2020 season with a brand new quarterback, it'll also be the first year for new head coach Matt Rhule.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding them both, Rhule has stated that he is extremely confident in the team's new QB. He said on Friday on Around the NFL:

“The best players in the world bring out the best in their teammates and I can tell you, since free agency started, the amount of the guys that want to come and play with Teddy has nothing to do with me or anybody else. They want to be a part of what he's doing 'cause he brings out the best in people.”

Bridgewater hasn't been a full-time starter since the 2015 season with the Minnesota Vikings but the former first-round pick did get a chance to shine last season with the New Orleans Saints.

After a hand injury forced Saints quarterback Drew Brees to miss time, Bridgewater stepped in, playing in nine games and making five starts. Rhule was able to connect with Bridgewater last season, unaware that the two men's paths would cross just months later:

“I sat there and told him, ‘Teddy, I just want you to know how much respect I have for you. Having coached against you, having seen what you've done, having seen the way people respond to you. Man, I just wish you the best.'”

For the season, Bridgewater would complete 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns and only two inceptions while leading the Saints to a 5-0 record with him under center. Rhule is looking forward to Bridgewater bringing that prowess to the Panthers, adding,

“I believe so wholeheartedly in who he is as a quarterback. I believe in his abilities, I believe in his arm strength, I believe in his accuracy, I believe in his decision-making but, beyond that, I know he's going to make everyone else that much better.”

As for Rhule, the young head coach made the move from college football to the pros this offseason after he led Baylor University to an 11-3 record.