Teddy Bridgewater is set to hit the open market as the second most desirable quarterback with a legitimate chance to change teams, behind Tom Brady (Excluding Dak Prescott and Drew Brees). Bridgewater established himself as a legitimate starter in 2019, after going 5-0 in 5 starts when Drew Brees was out with a torn ligament in his thumb. “Teddy Two Gloves” is set for a modest payday in free agency, but with what team? Here are the 5 top landing spots for Teddy B.
5. New Orleans Saints
It would make sense for Bridgewater to stay in the Big Easy for another year, assuming he is content being a backup and the Saints pay him well. Bridgewater would serve as an expensive insurance policy behind Drew Brees for the third year in a row and have a legitimate chance for a ring. However, Bridgewater likely wants a starting job, which will be unlikely if he chooses to play for the Saints in 2020.
4. Chicago Bears
It is rumored that the Bears will bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason as a fail-safe for Mitchell Trubisky, whether via free agency or trade. With a stellar defense, the championship window is closing quickly in Chicago. The one position where there was clearly below average play was quarterback. The Bears have just $24 million in cap space and might not be able to pay Teddy as much as other teams, but Bridgewater would be able to have a chance at a starting job for a solid team.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Colts owner Jim Irsay said that “All options are open and on the table,” when it comes to the quarterback position. After a disappointing 7-9 campaign in 2019 with Jacoby Brissett, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the Colts decide to move on from Brissett. Bridgewater could immediately step in as a starter, and the Colts can pay him more than any other team with their $86 million in cap room. T. Y. Hilton and Marlon Mack will return to full strength in 2020 and Bridgewater would be set with a solid offensive line.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rumors of Bridgewater to the Bucs have been heating up recently. Bridgewater is reportedly the frontrunner for the job, ahead of Jameis Winston. Winston would fit the vertical passing scheme of Bruce Arians better than Bridgewater, but his turnovers have become detrimental to the team. With $85 million in cap, the Bucs could bring in both quarterbacks to start a competition and end up trading one of them, but they will likely prioritize Bridgewater.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
The quarterback position for the Chargers is up for grabs this offseason. The Chargers will likely miss out on the top prize of free agency, Tom Brady, but “settling” for Bridgewater isn’t a bad consolation prize. In terms of cap and supporting cast, the Chargers are in a very similar boat as that of the Buccaneers; they both have a weak o-line, but the strength is in the receiving core.
The Chargers set themselves apart from the Bucs because of the run game, defense, and location. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler comprise a top-10 running back tandem and a defense that was banged up in 2019 will improve. While the Chargers may not have many fans, they’re located in the second biggest market in America and are one year removed from a Divisional Round appearance.