Raiders: 3 possible replacements for Derek Carr in the offseason
By Allen Settle
2. Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater represents a rare combination of youth and skill in the 2020 free agent pool. While quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and Philip Rivers have Hall-of-Fame-caliber resumes, each player would be nothing more than a one-year bandage to push the team toward the 2021 draft.
Inversely, players like Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are young enough to grow with the Las Vegas Raiders, but lack the skill required to earn a role as the franchise QB.
Bridgewater on the other hand, is just 28-years-old and has flashed tremendous upside. The former first-round pick seemed destined for stardom as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
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A Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award in 2014 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2015 further confirmed his ability to lead a team. While a catastrophic knee injury in 2016 threatened to end his career, the resilient signal-caller was able to rehab and work his way back into the NFL.
Bridgewater has thrived in limited action as a backup to Drew Brees in New Orleans. While the former Louisville star may elect to remain as the quarterback-in-waiting behind Brees, the right contract offer would surely sway him to return to a starting role.
The Las Vegas Raiders could be the perfect situation for both player and team.