Playing in his first full season since 2015, Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater put up admirable numbers, including career bests in passing yards (3,733), completion percentage (69.1%), passing touchdowns (15), rushing (279) and rushing touchdowns (5).
However, after acquiring New York Jets quarterback and 2018 No. 3 pick Sam Darnold for three draft picks, is the Bridgewater experiment already done?
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, likely:
What now for #Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater? Expect Carolina to look to move him. Either that, or look at options to adjust his contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 5, 2021
Teddy Bridgewater's status as the Panthers' quarterback of the future looked solid after the former Louisville Cardinals standout signed a three-year, $63 million deal prior to the 2020 campaign—with $40 million guaranteed through the first two seasons. He was coming off a strong 2019, in which he lifted the New Orleans Saints to a 5-0 stretch following an injury to future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 1,384 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions.
With the ink barely dried, the Panthers waved a heartfelt goodbye to their longtime star signal-caller Cam Newton, who led the Panthers to the playoffs during four of his nine seasons in Carolina and helped push them to Super Bowl 50.
According to ESPN, Bridgewater—coupled with the Panthers' No. 8 overall pick this year—was part of a trade offer to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford, who was eventually moved to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster move for Jared Goff and multiple first-rounders.
If the Panthers don't find a particular place or partner for their one-and-done starter, could it be a bridge over troubled water? Bridgewater will count for more than $22 million on this year's tight cap alone, with only a $2.9 million coupon in savings if he's cut after June 1.
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