Image courtesy of Vikings.com
In his introductory press conference call to New York reporters Wednesday, Teddy Bridgewater didn’t have much to say to about the knee injury that derailed his football career in Minnesota. Rich Cimini of ESPN reported the former Vikings quarterback would not address whether his knee was close to 100 percent.
“That’s not something I’m comfortable talking about right now,” Bridgewater said. “I’m pretty sure that will be a discussion I have with the training staff and we’ll come up with a plan moving forward.”
Despite dancing around the question, Bridgewater reportedly said he can still perform at a high level and he embraces the crowded quarterback situation the New York Jets are facing. The team currently has five quarterbacks on the roster.
Bridgewater, who suffered a catastrophic, non-contact knee injury just 12 days before the 2016 season, returned to the field this season in a Week 15 thumping of the Cincinnati Bengals. He went 0-for-2 with an interception but appeared to be healthy when playing.
“I wouldn’t have dressed the guy if I didn’t think he was ready during the season,” said Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer at his NFL Combine presser. “If he would have had to go in [at any point] I was comfortable playing him.”
Zimmer later added, “I’m hopeful for Teddy, number one, that he has an outstanding career. He’s earned it. He’s deserved it. Hopefully it’s with me but if not, then I’ll wish him the best of luck. I’ll give him a hug and hope for the best for him.”
The Vikings had more knowledge than any other team on Bridgewater and his surgically repaired knee. Yet, the team let the 25 year-old become an unrestricted free agent earlier this month. The uncertainty surrounding his health led to lukewarm interest in the young quarterback on the open market.
Ultimately, Bridgewater signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Jets. He’ll earn $6 million in 2018 and can earn up to $15 million in incentives, but he’s only guaranteed $500,000. That’s also the amount of dead money the Jets would accrue if they decide to cut the quarterback.
Bridgewater will have to prove that he’s healthy as soon as possible. While he’s currently considered the backup behind veteran Josh McCown, the Jets recently traded with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire the #3 pick in next month’s draft. All indications are they’ll target a quarterback.
“I’m very confident in myself,” Bridgewater said. “I’m confident in the athletic training staff and the coaching staff that they can get me back to the player that I once was. But at the same time, we’re only in March and the only way to get better is to put the work in now. I’m excited about this opportunity I have. … I can’t wait. I’m excited.”
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Teddy should just shoot for coming back and being effective, even if he'll never be "the player that I once was." Joe Namath and Ken Stabler were running QB's in college before their own knee injuries. Teddy never were, but as long as he can move well enough and retains his pocket awareness, that's enough.
Being able to move well enough is the only real question mark for Teddy ~ But pocket awareness was never a issue for him ~ Yeah he held onto the ball to long at times but all young NFL QB's do that in their first two years ~
I wish him well and hope for the best of possible things in and outside of football ~ He is a smart kid and I believe just based off his personality and the way he carries himself he has been good with his money ~ So if football isn't in his future he should ever have to worry about working again ~ But knowing his drive I know he will be doing something and I believe he will be at the least good at it if not great ~
I for one don't believe Teddy makes it back and could see him not making it past the Jets final cuts for a lot of different reason ~ Football smarts and talent not being question ~ But healthy very well could be ~ But I hope he proves me wrong and goes on to be one of the better QB's in the NFL ~ Its just sad we didn't get to see what year 3 as a Viking might have looked like ~ Many say he was looking like a different QB before the injury ~ It would have been great if he could have worked out ~ I have no doubt Pat could have helped him far more than Norv ever could ~
My question marks about Teddy has always been after the injury ~
Well said, Gordon. Best wishes to Teddy in the future, except when he's playing against the Vikings