Teddy Bridgewater, the seasoned quarterback currently coaching the champions of Miami Northwestern High School, has expressed his intention to return to the NFL before resuming his coaching duties in February. Bridgewater remarked, “That’s the plan,” when asked about his aspirations to re-enter professional football.
With the NFL regular season nearing its conclusion in three weeks, speculation surrounds where Bridgewater might land, particularly with his desire to join a playoff contender. This narrows down potential teams to around 15 to 17, including the underperforming Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, who each hold a 7-7 record.
Identifying teams in playoff contention that might require a veteran quarterback like Bridgewater becomes the next consideration. The NFL landscape shows various depth charts for championship hopefuls, yet many teams appear solid in their quarterback positions. For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs boast Patrick Mahomes, while the Buffalo Bills have Josh Allen.
Teams like the Seattle Seahawks have some uncertainty in their quarterback room. Geno Smith is currently dealing with a knee injury, while Sam Howell’s performance in his debut raised concerns. Although reports on Smith’s knee suggest he may return for their next game against the Minnesota Vikings, there remains a possibility of injury re-aggravation. If that were to occur, Seahawks’ General Manager John Schneider might be compelled to explore bringing in an experienced quarterback, like Bridgewater.
While it seems unlikely Bridgewater will be signed by the Chiefs, Chargers, or Steelers, it’s essential to keep the door open for potential opportunities with other franchises. The reality is that if Bridgewater aims to play into the postseason, he may need to accept a backup role.
For Seahawks fans, the hope remains that Geno will recover sufficiently to lead Seattle through the last stretch of the season and into January. Bridgewater’s experience and capabilities could provide a safety net if the situation calls for it, ensuring that the team is prepared for any scenario.
In summary, while Bridgewater’s options appear limited, his determination and skill could lead to an opportunity that would benefit both him and a team in need. Hope is on the horizon for a thrilling conclusion to the NFL season, with the potential for Bridgewater to reclaim his role in the league.