Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will likely hit the free agent market next March. The team has reportedly declined the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, paving the way for the injured former first-round pick to become a free agent.
#Vikings informed Teddy Bridgewater they’re declining his option, source said. No setback. No nerve issue. Just can’t injury-guarantee him.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 1, 2017
If Minnesota had decided to pick up Bridgewater’s option, he would have been guaranteed around $12 million for the 2018 season.
Coming off a serious knee injury that saw him miss the entire 2016 season, it’s not necessarily a surprise that Minnesota would decline the quarterback’s option. Heck, we have no real idea when he will return to the field.
However, this now means that Minnesota will head into the 2017 season with two quarterbacks in the final year of their deals. Remember, 2016 starter Sam Bradford is also slated to become a free agent this upcoming March. Whether the Vikings can work out a long-term deal with him remains to be seen.