NFL Free Agency 2020: Possible Teddy Bridgewater Destinations Include Chargers, Panthers, Colts

Teddy Bridgewater will probably be among the best quarterbacks that find a new team for the 2020 NFL season. Drew Brees announced that he will return to the New Orleans Saints, likely ending Bridgewater’s time with the team.

Bridgewater hasn’t been a full-time starter since he led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs in the 2015 season. He spent the last two seasons as the Saints’ backup. Bridgewater went 5-0 with a 99.1 passer rating last season when Brees missed over a month with a thumb injury.

Where will Bridgewater sign? Here’s a look at the most likely possible destinations for the quarterback in free agency.

1) Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers need a new starting quarterback after parting ways with Philip Rivers. Head coach Anthony Lynn reportedly prefers a signal caller that is less prone to committing turnovers, making Bridgewater a logical candidate. Bridgewater threw an interception on just one percent of his passes with New Orleans last season, giving him a better interception rate than Brees. Los Angeles’ pursuit of Tom Brady could complicate matters.

2) Carolina Panthers

The Panthers can release Cam Newton without facing much of a salary cap penalty, and owner David Tepper has been unwilling to commit to the veteran for next season. Bridgewater is three years younger than Newton, who had each of his last two seasons cut short by injuries. Newton is 0-8 in his last eight starts. Carolina could be looking for a fresh start at quarterback under new head coach Matt Rhule.

3) Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were forced to make Jacoby Brissett their starter for the 2019 season when Andrew Luck suddenly retired in the preseason. With a whole offseason to find a replacement, Indianapolis could use some of its cap space on a free-agent quarterback. Brissett went 7-8 as a starter last year, ranking 18th in passer rating and 29th in passing yards per game. Brissett has one year left on his contract.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have a big decision to make with Jameis Winston. The quarterback is without a contract after leading the NFL in both passing yards and interceptions. Tampa Bay’s best option might be to use the franchise tag on Winston, though there is skepticism that the team will keep Winston for another year. Bridgewater could thrive in an offense that features Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Tampa Bay and Indianapolis are both possible landing spots for Rivers.