The New Orleans Saints are bringing back quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, signaling that they view him as a potential long-term starter once Drew Brees hangs up his cleats.
Following the re-signing of linebacker Craig Robertson and safety Chris Banjo, the New Orleans Saints continued their trend of bringing back players by planning on re-signing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
The 26-year-old reportedly turned down a bigger deal from the Miami Dolphins in order to stay in New Orleans. According to NFL Network’s Jane Slater, Bridgewater “values the locker room culture and prospect of one day becoming the Saints’ starting QB.”
Teddy Bridgewater expected to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints despite a bigger deal on the table from Miami. I’m told Bridgewater values the locker room culture and prospect of one day becoming the Saints starting QB per source informed. #Saints
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 12, 2019
To no one’s surprise, Saints head coach Sean Payton is committed to Bridgewater as the quarterback of the future.
I asked Saints Head Coach Sean Payton at combine who he was going after at quarterback knowing Drew Brees could be done soon…he said I have my guy. His name is Teddy Bridgewater. #saints
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 12, 2019
Bridgewater served as Drew Brees’ direct backup last season after being acquired via trade from the New York Jets following the 2018 preseason.
He appeared in five games (though he attempted just one pass in four of them) and started the season finale, with the Saints having already clinched the #1 seed in the NFC.
In that game against the Carolina Panthers, Bridgewater completed 14 of 22 passes for 118 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while adding 12 yards on the ground.
The nine-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith was Bridgewater’s first score since the 2015 season.
A first-round pick out of Louisville, Bridgewater was entrenched as the Minnesota Vikings’ following two successful initial seasons at the helm of an up-and-coming team.
In August of 2016, a non-contact injury to his left leg ended his season before it even started. He tore his ACL, dislocated his knee and suffered additional structural damage that left his future in doubt.
Bridgewater missed the entire 2016 season and part of the 2017 season before being activated from the PUP list on November 8. In Week 15, Bridgewater made his long-awaited return in relief of starter Case Keenum.
Following the 2017 season, the Vikings moved on from Bridgewater (and Keenum) and brought in Kirk Cousins on a massive contract.
When Brees will retire is unknown, but he isn’t signed past the 2019 season and – to this point – he hasn’t committed to playing beyond the current year.
With a strong supporting cast that is also filled with young talent, the Saints could have a seamless transition at quarterback sooner than later, going from one of the best quarterbacks of all-time to a young, pinpoint accurate passer whose best ball is still ahead of him.
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