Breaking down Teddy Bridgewater’s future in New Orleans

SmashMouth · 12-30-2018, 09:07 AM

If you’re already sick of reading about Teddy Bridgewater this week, you’ve come to the wrong place.

Back when the New Orleans Saints traded for Bridgewater in August, fans wanted to know if he’d be the long-term replacement for Drew Brees. With Bridgewater starting Sunday (Dec. 30) against the Panthers, those questions are back.

So, let’s get into it.

This was the most popular question of the week, and it makes sense because Bridgewater is set to make his first start in almost three years.

The realistic options are that the Saints re-sign him or let him leave in free agency. That’s it.

One person asked about the franchise tag, but that’s not realistic. Last year’s tag for quarterbacks was $23 million. That’s a ridiculous price.

It’s tough to project how much Bridgewater would net on the open market. The Jets gave Bridgewater a $6 million deal for 2018 before trading him to the Saints for a 2019 third-round pick. Based on how he played in the preseason, I certainly think he’ll make more than that this offseason, and if he thrives Sunday, his earning potential could rise even more.

Let’s guess that some team would be willing to pay him $10 million next year - maybe more, maybe less. I don’t see how the Saints could pay that while they’re still paying Drew Brees and have some other big deals coming up. If Brees retires, that would change the equation entirely, but every indication Brees has given is that he wants to keep playing.

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12-30-2018, 09:07 AM	#1
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,477 Blog Entries: 29	Breaking down Teddy Bridgewater’s future in New Orleans If you’re already sick of reading about Teddy Bridgewater this week, you’ve come to the wrong place. Back when the New Orleans Saints traded for Bridgewater in August, fans wanted to know if he’d be the long-term replacement for Drew Brees. With Bridgewater starting Sunday (Dec. 30) against the Panthers, those questions are back. So, let’s get into it. Twitter This was the most popular question of the week, and it makes sense because Bridgewater is set to make his first start in almost three years. The realistic options are that the Saints re-sign him or let him leave in free agency. That’s it. One person asked about the franchise tag, but that’s not realistic. Last year’s tag for quarterbacks was $23 million. That’s a ridiculous price. It’s tough to project how much Bridgewater would net on the open market. The Jets gave Bridgewater a $6 million deal for 2018 before trading him to the Saints for a 2019 third-round pick. Based on how he played in the preseason, I certainly think he’ll make more than that this offseason, and if he thrives Sunday, his earning potential could rise even more. Let’s guess that some team would be willing to pay him $10 million next year - maybe more, maybe less. I don’t see how the Saints could pay that while they’re still paying Drew Brees and have some other big deals coming up. If Brees retires, that would change the equation entirely, but every indication Brees has given is that he wants to keep playing. more on NOLA Attached Thumbnails