Teddy Bridgewater throws a pass against Seattle. (Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Broncos officially named Teddy Bridgwater starting Quarterback Wednesday over incumbent Drew Lock. A day after Head Coach Vic Fangio told the media he wasn't ready to make a decision, he informed the team during one of their daily meetings that the 7th year signal caller would be under center heading into the 2021 Season.
Bridgewater was the Vikings 1st-Round pick in 2014 as Minnesota selected him as the last pick of the opening round, following his senior year at Louisville. He went 6-6 as a rookie, and in year 2, with an 11-5 mark, he put his team in position to make a trip to the NFC Title game, but a missed 23-yard-field goal in the snow ended his Pro Bowl Season.
Days before the regular season in 2016, Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury on the practice field and there was concern he may never play again. After basically 2 years away from the playing field, Bridgewater signed 1-year deal to compete with Sam Darnold his rookie year with the jets, but the Saints traded for Bridgewater at the end of training camp to back-up Drew Brees in New Orleans. An injury to the future Hall-of-Famer thrust Bridgewater into the starting lineup where he led New Orleans to a 5-0 record, throwing 9 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.
In 2020, Bridgewater signed a 3-year $63 Million Deal with Carolina. He started 15 games last year, posting a 4-11 record, completing a career single-season best 15 Touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
After the Panthers acquired Darnold, coincidentally from the Jets, Bridgewater became expendable. Thus, the Broncos were able to acquire the veteran 2 days before the draft in exchange for a 6th round pick. Also, Carolina agreed to pick up the bulk of the 2021 salary, and a reworked deal will pay him $4.5 Million from Denver, and allow him to be a free agent in 2022.
Through 2 pre-season games, Bridgewater has completed 16-of-19 passes for 179 yards and 2 Touchdowns. The other 2 drives he led both ended in scores, a touchdown run and a field goal.