For New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, this offseason was supposed to be about regaining a larger role, and possibly competing for a starting spot on a team, after hitting free agency. The reward for years of work rehabbing a gruesome knee injury and sitting behind Drew Brees in the process.

At least, that's what we all thought.

He chose to be a backup, because he thought that was the better job.

Via Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the veteran quarterback said his decision to stick with the Saints rather than sign with the Miami Dolphins was about his long-term plan. Even if he does not ultimately succeed Brees, he sees Year 2 in New Orleans as being a sort of quarterback graduate school, learning more and more about the position while being on a team he feels comfortable with.

“This is the best opportunity for me to grow as a player,” Bridgewater said.

“As a competitor you want to be out there starting and competing, but I just sat back and I weighed my options and thought about what would be best for me.”

Bridgewater has not been a team’s primary quarterback since a knee injury nearly ended his career in 2016, and that trend will likely continue through this season. He won't get first-team reps unless a disaster scenario unfolds.

But working with a talented coaching staff and continuing to learn and grow in a place where he is having fun makes the journey a little more manageable.