QB Bridgewater headed to Saints
Trade means rookie Darnold likely to start the season opener for Jets
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints agreed to acquire veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and a sixth-round pick from the New York Jets for a third-round draft pick on Wednesday.
While record-setting quarterback Drew Brees is entrenched as New Orleans’ starter, the move signifies that Saints coach Sean Payton was not entirely comfortable with either veteran Tom Savage or second-year pro Taysom Hill serving as Brees’ backup.
“We are very pleased to obtain a young player with quite a bit of playing experience in Teddy Bridgewater,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “He’s a successful quarterback and we know he will be a great addition ...”
The Saints have their sights set on Super Bowl contention after coming within one play of reaching the NFC title game last season.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated the importance of a solid backup quarterback in 2017, winning a championship after Nick Foles had to replace injured starter Carson Wentz.
The trade brings more clarity to the Jets’ quarterback situation. It appears rookie Sam Darnold is the starter after being given every opportunity to win the job in a competition that included Bridgewater and incumbent Josh McCown.
Darnold is 29 of 45 for 244 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in the preseason and started the past two games, a strong signal that he will open the season under center when New York is at Detroit on Sept. 10.
McCown has played just one series in the preseason and will likely serve as a mentor to Darnold and a spot starter for the Jets if the rookie falters.
The No. 3 overall draft pick has impressed coach Todd Bowles and the rest of the staff with his veteran like approach to game situations and his ability to quickly digest the playbook.
Bridgewater arguably outplayed Darnold this summer, going 28 of 38 for 316 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
More than anything, though, he proved he’s healthy two years after a devastating knee injury that had many wondering if he’d ever walk again, let alone resume his football career.
“In his time with us, Teddy was the consummate professional, a great teammate, and a tremendous leader,” Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan said. “He worked diligently with our medical staff and made tremendous strides along the way. We wish him nothing but success in the future.”
Bridgewater, 25, a former Louisville star and 2014 Minnesota first-round draft choice, has played in 20 NFL games with the Vikings, but only one in the past two seasons.
New York signed him to a one-year contract that guaranteed only a $500,000 signing bonus — but included various performance-based incentives.