Teddy Bridgewater visits surprise NFC contender in search of a contract

There was a time when Teddy Bridgewater was viewed as the future starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings. After all, that is why former GM Rick Spielman selected the former Louisville star with the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Of course, a major knee injury got in the way, and Bridgewater momentarily feared that he’d possibly be set to lose his leg in surgery back in 2016. He’d miss the entire season, but thankfully, that was the worst of it for the former first-round pick.

Yet, the career-altering injury surely left a toll on the Florida native. He wouldn’t start another game with the Vikings ever again, but the New Orleans Saints gave him another shot, where he’d make five appearances in 2018, even starting a game.

Bridgewater has since bounced around the league, landing in Denver, Carolina, and most recently in his home state with the Dolphins. But Teddy BridgeH2O was only signed to a one-year contract. Now the 30-year-old pocket QB is once again searching for a new home.

The Pro Bowl QB’s wait may be coming to an end soon. According to Ian Rapoport, Bridgewater visited with the Detroit Lions on Monday, and there’s been a legitimate level of interest on both sides for quite some time.

Obviously, landing back in the NFC North would give Bridgewater a chance to battle his former team, even if the regime has since been overhauled. Yet, the veteran journeyman likely isn’t out for revenge or anything silly like that. He just wants to play football.

Still, the Lions are an interesting landing spot for the 6-foot-2 QB. Not only do they have Jared Goff firmly entrenched as the starter, they also have 25-year-old third-round rookie Hendon Hooker waiting in the wings.

Of course, Hooker is also working his way back from an ACL tear and isn’t ready for contact right away. Adding Bridgewater could serve as not only a strong insurance policy and lead backup to Goff but also a valued voice who can help teach Hooker the finer points of the game.

No matter what, Bridgewater will be signing a contract somewhere before the season begins. Landing in Detroit might just be one of the best options available for a vet still seeking another chance to step in when his number’s called.