Let the Teddy Bridgewater trade offers run wild

New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan made a low-risk/high reward signing in free agency with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. It has turned out to be a great acquisition as it’s best to let those trade offers run wild.

After two preseason games and a very positive offseason, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is undoubtedly excited about his future. Clearly, it won’t be with the New York Jets who are fully invested in rookie Sam Darnold to be their future franchise quarterback but one can hope that he finds a new home to become their star player under center.

For now, Bridgewater is in a great situation with the Jets since not only is he helping to mold Darnold for his pro career, but is getting rave reviews of everything he brings to the table. So much so, teams will likely be calling general manager Mike Maccagnan between now and the start of the regular season to see what the asking price would be to trade for Bridgewater’s services.

Ideally, Bridgewater isn’t worth anything crazy but trade offers should be running wild as teams begin finalizing their rosters for 2018. Some teams might need a durable backup in case an injury to their starter happens or perhaps want to head in a different direction at the most important position on the roster.

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Either way, Maccagnan is open to the idea of trading Bridgewater. In an article written by Rich Cimini of ESPN, here is what Maccagnan said about it:

“There’s nothing to stop us from keeping three [quarterbacks], and there’s nothing to stop us from keeping two,” said Maccagnan, basically confirming there’s a “for sale” sign on Bridgewater.

In the grand scheme of things, the Jets could probably get a 3rd or 4th round pick for Bridgewater. They could also trade him for a decent offensive lineman or pass rusher that can contribute immediately upon arrival. It won’t be for anything insane, but again, they’ll be more clarity over the next few weeks, especially with what the Jets decide to ultimately do at quarterback.

Bridgewater is only on a one-year deal with the Jets and so far, Darnold has been getting the majority of first-team reps in training camp and is getting the same treatment in preseason action. The writing is on the wall that if Darnold continues to play well over the final two games of the preseason, he will likely be named the Week 1 starter with veteran quarterback Josh McCown being his backup.

It wouldn’t make sense to keep Bridgewater on the roster all season long when it’s apparent the Jets need help on their offensive line and adding a better pass rusher for 2018. They can trade him now to help either of those areas of opportunity, start the season with Darnold and McCown at quarterback, and usher in a new era of Jets football.

For now, Bridgewater is going to be a hot name from here on out as he continues to say and do all the right things this offseason. Now, it’s all up to Maccagnan to make the right trade that will benefit the Jets and Bridgewater in the long run.