Panthers Shake up Free Agency in Big Way by Signing QB Teddy Bridgewater Away From Saints on Huge Deal
By Michael Luciano
The Carolina Panthers, on the verge of trading Cam Newton and moving in a new direction now that Matt Rhule and Joe Brady are in charge, pilfered a quality quarterback from a division rival.
The Panthers and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater are reportedly in the midst of negotiating a three-year, $60 million contract that establishes him as the team's franchise quarterback.
The Panthers and Teddy Bridgewater are negotiating a 3-year contract in the $60 million range, per source. The deal is not done as they work out details but it is expected to be complete when new league year opens Wednesday.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 17, 2020
Bridgewater started off his pro career in very promising fashion with the Minnesota Vikings, but a devastating knee injury nearly wrecked his entire NFL dream. A few years later, he resurfaced as a backup in New Orleans.
When called into action this year after an injury to Drew Brees, Bridgewater won all five of his starts, completing 68% of his passes and throwing nine touchdowns alongside just two interceptions.
Bridgewater has the accuracy, mobility, and poise to lead a Joe Brady offense, but only time will tell if he's worth $20 million per year.
Breaking: The Panthers are finalizing a deal with Teddy Bridgewater as their new franchise QB, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/CN19bku7Ck
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 17, 2020
This deal is certainly going to raise some eyebrows, but it's so easy to be happy for Bridgewater getting this deal. Given how murky his football future looked after his injury, and the inspiring way in which he handled himself after all of it, Bridgewater is one of the easiest guys to root for in the league.
Hopefully the combination of Bridgewater, Rhule, and Brady can make some noise in 2020.