How the Jets should handle Teddy Bridgewater situation

New York Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan brilliant acquisition of Teddy Bridgewater has become the talk in the city that never sleeps. Here’s how the Jets should handle his situation from here on out.

The New York Jets are actually in a fabulous position here with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Commonly, as opposed to this being an issue, it’s more similar to being like a kid in the candy store for general manager Mike Maccagnan. He currently has not one, but perhaps two big-time playmakers under center on his hands.

Bridgewater had a fabulous camp and started the Jets first preseason game Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons. On the very first drive of the game. Bridgewater smoothly guided the Jets into the end zone. Completing an astonishing seven of eight passes.

Throwing for 85 yards and finishing the drive with a sweet sixteen-yard touchdown pass to new Jets running back Isaiah Crowell, Bridgewater looked sharp. He completing the game with an eyebrow-raising quarterback rating of 150.5.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

The 2014 first round pick of the Minnesota Vikings had a Pro Bowl season back in 2015 and led them to the playoffs in his second year of play. He is easily one of the top gunslingers in the NFL when fully healthy.

Thus far through Jets training camp and by his preseason play, Bridgewater looks to be back to full health.

Therefore the Jets must, beyond a shadow of a doubt, must hold on to Bridgewater as long as they can so they can get a solid return on this terrific signing by Maccagnan.

The ideal return for the Jets would be to snatch back one of their second-round picks that they used to move up in the 2018 NFL Draft to select their future franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold.

The USC quarterback shined in his very first pro appearance against the Falcons. Completing 13 of 18 passes for 96 yards and a Gang Green touchdown. It appears that the Jets have finally nailed a quarterback that will guide them towards much greener pastures in the future.

Head coach Todd Bowles must showcase Bridgewater in these final three preseason games in order to get maximum value back in a possible trade. Furthermore, the 2015 Pro Bowler from the University of Louisville needs to keep shining and avoid any injury during his play. It is imperative that he avoids injury. If not, then it all falls apart.

This is the tough decision Maccagnan faces. A good sign though is that Bridgewater looks to be back to 100 percent health-wise. At the start of the upcoming season, assuming that no other team makes a significant offer for a first-rate NFL quarterback like Bridgewater, the Jets would be fine starting him to begin their campaign.

Nevertheless, having Darnold sit the first few games until that offer comes in is imperative. Having their future quarterback sit and learn by watching Bridgewater guide Gang Green down the field is great for his continued development. It should be very useful knowledge for Darnold as he enters his first year in the pros so he is not thrown to the wolves too soon. As Darnold sits and learns, Maccagnan must have patience and confidence. In the meantime, Bridgewater could very well guide this team to a possible playoff spot this year if they decide to keep him around and, of course, if everything else falls into place.