There are still quality players available on the market that can make an impact right away. Some of these players may even hold off over the summer to see if any key injuries happen. With that being said let’s take a look at the top 2023 NFL free agents that are still available.

Kareem Hunt

The 27-year-old running back has yet to catch on with a team and may be waiting for the right fit. Hunt hasn’t been able to replicate his rookie form where he finished 2nd for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is still young enough in running back years to make an impact. He will always excel as a change of pace back and on the right team could shine.

Ezekiel Elliott

It’s hard to believe Elliott hasn’t landed on a team yet. He still has some gas left in the tank and despite some chatter around the league, I don’t believe he is washed. Elliott may no longer be capable of being the lead back but he could succeed on a team needing a short-yardage running back. We recently covered some possible landing spots for Elliott as he gets closer to signing.

Jarvis Landry

At one point and time, Landry was one of the top receivers in the league. He has since taken a step back partly due to injuries. With that being said Landry can still be a dangerous weapon in the right system. There have been recent rumors of Landry being linked to Green Bay. The Packers need to address the WR position and Landry may be the answer.

Yannick Ngakoue

Ngakoue is another surprise on this list. He has 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons with two different teams. It’s likely Ngakoue is expecting a pretty big payday. That along with the fact that he can’t seem to catch on with a team for long is a bit of a concern. Keep an eye on the Chiefs here as he may be willing to take less to sign on with them.

Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater is not the flashiest name on this list but he can still play a key role. Bridgewater is an excellent backup QB option, which is still one of the most important positions. I would expect Bridgewater already has a couple of offers and is weighing his options.

The post Top 2023 NFL Free Agents Still Available appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Indianapolis Colts axed Frank Reich & it’s safe to say that Matt Ryan doesn’t appear to be the answer at signal-caller, as well. Matty Ice has thrown nine interceptions with nine passing touchdowns to back it up. CBS Sports rightfully dubbed Ryan as the biggest individual dead money cap charge at this point. As the Colts dream of acquiring a new starting QB1, I’m going to untwine five QB targets for the Colts in 2023.

• Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson and potentially Sean Payton would be superb fits for Indy. Jackson and Jonathan Taylor would bring headaches to opposing run defenses for ages. Furthermore, Jackson would be able to play opposite a stingy Colts defense (featuring the likes of Darius Leonard, Deforest Buckner, and Stephon Gilmore).

Jackson has the eight-best QB rating this season (one spot behind Josh Allen) & he’s first in rushing yards at the QB spot.

• Daniel Jones

Despite being at the helm of a 6-2 squad, Daniel Jones isn’t unveiling ungodly, Drew-Brees-like stats (six passing touchdowns to two interceptions). However, he’s still been efficient this season w/ an 88-passer rating. He’s also 25 years old and he will bring potential to any team.

• Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy G (and his chin-line) can still have a fruitful NFL career without Kyle Shanahan in 2023 and beyond. Jimmy G has impressive arm talent combined with a tough injury history. Although, The Colts OL may be able to help Jimmy G stay fresh and crisp for a long time.

• Gardner Minshew

Gardner Minshew may just be the best QB2 in the NFL & he will finally be out of the Eagles clutches in 2023. Minshew Mania had a magical rookie season and he even squeezed out a career-best 104.8 passer rating in 2021.

• Teddy Bridgewater

If the Colts don’t want to break the bank for a FA QB, they could rest on inking the underrated, modest QB in Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy B had a .500 record with the Denver Broncos in 2021 — which can’t be said by Russell Wilson. Bridgewater is also gaining invaluable experience under the offensive wiz Mike McDaniel this season.

The post 5 QB targets for the Colts in 2023 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

It may seem like the seven trumpets are going off in Dallas after it was announced that Dak Prescott will miss 6-8 weeks. However, the Boys still have a plethora of talent on their roster & they could surely sneak into the playoffs with the right signal-caller. With that said, I’m going to untwine seven QBs that may be a logical fit for Dallas.

• Teddy Bridgewater

I would honestly love to see Teddy “two gloves” in a Cowboys uniform. The signal-caller that is coming off a 7-7 record last season can take care of the football and utilize the crisp route-running ability of Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup. I also don’t foresee the Phins retaining Bridgewater as a QB2 long-term, so it may be wise for Mike McDaniel to ship him out for a draft pick soon.

• Andy Dalton

The Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton, also known as the “Red Rifle”, still has the arm talent and a slice of the fountain of youth at 34 years old. Most importantly, Dalton played nine games with the reigning NFC East Champions in 2020. It would make a ton of sense for the Boys to bring him back if New Orleans was open to the offer.

• Cam Newton

The Panthers legend, Cam Newton, lost a chunk of his ability that led him to win MVP in 2016. Nonetheless, he could still be a threat with his rushing ability. I would want to see the Panthers ink Newton as 1B at QB. The NFL world witnessed Taysom Hill run angry for 81 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. It may be wise for the Boys to roll with a pure passing QB at 1A and sprinkle in Newton at 1B at QB.

• Gardner Minshew

Perhaps the Boys are desperate enough to get the Philadelphia Eagles to cough up the magic man, Gardner Minshew, in 2022. Minshew may be the most underrated backup QB in the league and it’s a shame that he hasn’t had a shot at a starting gig after many flashes of greatness in Jacksonville.

• Drew Lock

Geno Smith is pegged as the starting QB and the Hawks are likely a bit more interested in moving on from the Drew Lock experiment. He still has physical gifts, but he hasn’t quite found the right fit. Lamb and Gallup could make a lot of plays with the clean version of Lock.

• Sam Darnold

The former USC mythical QB, Sam Darnold, is the ultimate wildcard to land with the Boys in my opinion. Darnold has been in numerous agonizing situations in Adam Gase land & surrounded by an injured Christian McCaffrey. Yet, he has made impressive throws and taken care of the football at key times. He may be the best value pick-up for the Boys — assuming the Panthers don’t have a modest price tag on him.

• Tyrod Taylor

The electric Tyrod Taylor would be a safe bet for the Boys. Taylor, aka the 2015 Pro Bowler and near-starting QB for the Chargers (until a sad injury occurred to him from the medical staff) is still looking for his last break. The issue is: will the Giants be open to trading him to the Boys?

The post 7 QB targets for the Dallas Cowboys appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers team that has a coach (Matt Rhule) sizzling on the hot seat could make a significant jump with the addition of a talented quarterback at this point in late June. With that said, I’m going to simply untwine five quarterbacks that would formulate a perfect marriage with the Panthers.

Garnder Minshew

Minshew Mania would be an excellent value pick-up for the Panthers in my opinion. The Eagles would likely demand a fifth or sixth-round pick for him. I expect that the former Jaguars QB that has 41 career passing touchdowns to 12 interceptions would have a tremendous floor with the Panthers impressive weapons. I also don’t believe Baker is the right long-term QB, so Minshew would be an excellent bridge QB at the very least.

Teddy Bridgewater

It may not be deemed sexy for the Panthers to bring back Teddy Bridgewater after he led them to a 4-11 record in 2020. Nonetheless, there are a couple of great reasons for the Panthers to reunite with Teddy B. For 1. he has familiarity with the Panthers and 2. he is an upgrade over Sam Darnold. The Jets wisely brought back Joe Flacco (numerous times) and it may be a sharp decision for the Panthers to acquire the QB2 in Miami.

Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor, who might be at the awkward age of 32, is still one of the flat-out best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Taylor would have been the starting QB for the Chargers if a medical procedure didn’t go haywire. He wasn’t as impressive as Davis Mills last season, but he was still in a lackluster situation. I would be intrigued to see the Panthers rushing offense with a healthy CMAC and Taylor.

Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton was frequently a rock star with the Cincinnati Bengals and then he down-spiraled into one of the biggest disappointments after his 2017 season. The Red Rifle still has underrated arm talent and he wouldn’t be as expensive as Baker (regardless of him in a Saints uniform). Perhaps the Panthers can reel in the QB that Kyle Shanahan gushed over in the 2021 off-season.

Kyle Allen

Kyle Allen really blossomed in Washington – after he had growing pains in Carolina (2018 and 2019). Allen received Bruce Wayne-like training and development with the Commanders and it may be time for him to return back to CAR as a wiser and more-talented passer. Allen, who stated that he basically doesn’t have a chance to start in Washington, may have a realistic opportunity at starting for the Panthers in 2022.

The post 5 QB targets for the Panthers right now appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jake Rajala

The Seattle Seahawks have reunited with Geno Smith on a one-year deal worth $3.5 million dollars. Smith filled in as the starting quarterback for a portion of the 2021 season when Russell Wilson injured his finger in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith went 1-2 in his three starts last season, but he was an efficient, improved QB. The former New York Jets QB threw 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, and recorded a 68.4%. He had a very impressive moment in the Monday Night contest against the Saints, where he unleashed an 84-yard touchdown strike to DK Metcalf. Unfortunately, the Seahawks lost the MNF utterly rainy thriller.

Smith has the arm talent and he’s improved his turnover habits, but does he have a high ceiling? Smith wasn’t necessarily clutch in big-time moments in 2021. He coughed up the football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime, which led to an easy Steelers victory. Smith was also mediocre against the LA Rams, as he notched 131 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Although, he has shown to be a capable game manager. He was efficient against the Saints in the tough matchup and he still led the Seahawks to the overtime against the T.J. Watt-led Steelers.

So, how does Smith exactly compare to Lock? Well, Lock has been less impressive than Smith in recent memory. The former Broncos rookie sensation lost the starting QB spot to Teddy Bridgewater last season. He’s been 4-12 over his 16 previous matchups. Lock may be 25 years old and holding a slice of magic from his 4-1 record in his 2019 campaign, but he’s been vastly trending in the opposite direction from Smith.

It’s also puzzling that Lock has failed to utilize the talent in Denver, such as Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick. It’s far from certain that Lock will have mystic growth with the superb Seahawks weapons. With that said, I believe there is more reason to believe a motivated, familar Smith will rise to become the QB1 in Seattle.

If Smith can go toe to toe against the mighty Saints and aggressive Steelers, I believe the more prepared QB can turn heads in 2022 against pedestrian competition and have a career resurgence. The 2021 game manager Teddy Bridgewater edged out Drew Lock and cranked out a 7-7 record. Similarly, I could see the more polished 31-year-old Smith receiving the keys to his beloved offense and being the “bridge QB” next season.

The post Geno Smith or Drew Lock: which QB has the edge? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Steven Johnson

Coming off of a spectacular start to the NFL season, all Bronco eyes are on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. After winning the competition at quarterback this offseason, Bridgewater threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 28 passing attempts in week one. These numbers helped the Broncos stamp a definitive win on their week one matchup against the New York Giants. Bridgewater finished with a 95.7 QBR, the highest of any quarterback in week one. This performance is exactly the type of play that many in the organization and fanbase needed to see from Teddy to put their faith in him as the face of this Broncos team.

Following up week one, this Sunday the Broncos headed to Florida to compete against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bridgewater once again was able to perform reminiscent of his pro bowl season in 2015. The Denver quarterback threw for another two touchdowns and 328 yards this time. Bridgewater was able to avoid any interceptions or fumbles and complete a positive 76% of his passes on the day. The average yards per pass attempt was higher this week as well, a 9.6 average compared to week one’s 7.3 average. Teddy was able to not only build off of his week one performance but put on an even better showing for Denver and its fanbase. So far, Bridgewater and these young receivers of the Broncos are pulling off a 592 yard-4 touchdown-ZERO interception effort through the first two weeks. These two weeks, while a small sample size, has given hope that Bridgewater can return to the youthful promise he showed early in his career.

Looking back at Bridgewater’s previous seasons there is hope for exceptional quarterback play. In his second season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Bridgewater threw for 3400 yards and 17 touchdowns to earn his first Pro Bowl nod. This seemed to put Bridgwater firmly in view as the Vikings’ quarterback of the future. In the year that followed, Teddy’s major ACL injury kept him sidelined and almost ended his young career. After working his way back, injuries and bad luck played a part in keeping him off the field and away from competing. While playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2019, he seemed to have a resurgence as he stepped into the starting role, leading the team for an injured Drew Brees. Bridgewater led the team to a 5-0 record while throwing for 1300 yards and 9 touchdowns. The following season he would leave the Saints to play for the Carolina Panthers. Bridgewater dealt with an offense plagued by injuries. With an injured Christian McCaffrey, the offense became one-dimensional. Still, Bridgewater finished the season with a respectable 3700 yards and 15 touchdowns, although also throwing 11 interceptions.

This offseason after Leaving the Panthers to come to play for Denver, Bridgewater has stumbled into an offensive situation much more lucrative than he had during his time in Carolina. While he continues to grow with the Denver offense, he will undoubtedly become more comfortable and recognize the best way to utilize his weapons. If the Broncos’ offense gives their talented defense enough opportunities to rush the passer and close out games, it will be a very tough group for anyone to compete against this season.

Bridgewater’s most impressive feat early this season is his ability to stay cool in the pocket while showing enough mobility to extend plays for big impacts. Many who criticized Bridgewater cite a lack of aggressiveness in his play. Worried that Teddy will only take underneath throws or refuse to take shots downfield, Bridgewater showed that he will take chances and even went a stunning 5-5 on fourth down conversions so far this season. Bridgewater is showing poise and awareness in the pocket that brings a sense of confidence to the huddle. The ability to sit and take big hits while delivering the ball shows a veteran mindset and understanding of the game. While not known as a running quarterback, Bridgewater’s ability to extend plays so far this season has resulted in electric plays and success for the Denver offense as a whole. Losing Jerry Jeudy to injury in week one will hurt the overall playmaking ability of the offense, however, Courtland Sutton returning to form could be a formidable duo with Bridgewater building their chemistry.

As of week two, Bridgewater is on pace for over 5,000 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. While not realistic to sustain these numbers, it is an impressive comparison to start the season. If Bridgewater can channel anything similar to those averages throughout the entire NFL season, he would be in immediate contention. This goes not only for Pro Bowl consideration but league MVP as well. With the strong defense in the Broncos locker room and an offense full of young playmakers, the sky can be the limit for this team under “steady” Teddy Bridgewater.

The post Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater returning to Pro Bowl form this season? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Dave Stewart

Week 1 is in the books and just like every season, we saw some unfortunate injuries to fantasy-relevant players. You may have lost Raheem Mostert, Jerry Jeudy, or Ryan Fitzpatrick. You also may have lost the Elijah Mitchell sweepstakes or decided not to enter. So, now you could be left with difficult lineup decisions, as a result. Well, I have good news.

In ”˜Getting Deep,’ we will be focusing on deeper (16-team+) leagues, looking for startable players to help fill your lineup holes.

QB – Teddy Bridgewater Denver Broncos Bridgewater looked very competent in his first start as a Bronco. He threw for 264 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns. His 77.8% completion rate was second only to Russell Wilson. His average depth of target (aDOT) was 8.7 yards, so he was looking to make plays down the field. This week, he heads to Jacksonville to face a Jaguars’ defense fresh off making Tyrod Taylor look like a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. Jacksonville allowed 291 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air against Houston. This matchup appears prime for Bridgewater to build off his opening game success and deliver another top-15 quarterback finish.

RB – Nyheim Hines Indianapolis Colts I know you like Jonathan Taylor. I like him, too. But, it is time to face facts. Hines has a role in this offense. If you are looking for a deeper start this week, I like Hines, at home, facing the Los Angeles Rams. Last week, Hines had 15 total touches, including six receptions on eight targets, and 82 total yards. The Rams’ defense was beaten up by David Montgomery last week, and Damien Williams did some damage as a pass-catching running back. Expect Hines to shine in that area this week.

WR – Jaylen Waddle Miami Dolphins It did not take long for the connection between Waddle and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to materialize. Waddle caught four of his five targets and found the end zone in his NFL debut. Now, Buffalo comes to South Beach and Waddle will face a difficult challenge against the Bills’ defense. Still, with a 75% slot rate in Week 1, Waddle is unlikely to see much coverage from Tre’Davious White. Playing 80% of the snaps was encouraging for Waddle and his rapport with Tagovailoa should continue to build. With 15.3 yards per reception and 25 yards after the catch, look for Waddle to be involved as a playmaker, once again.

TE – Juwan Johnson New Orleans Saints This does feel like a bit of a gamble. After all, Johnson saw only three targets in his Week 1 effort. However, two of those targets were from inside the 10-yard line and both were touchdowns. Counting on touchdown production is risky, but when we are looking for tight ends, particularly deep tight ends, touchdowns make all the difference. Johnson will not get double-digit targets like Darren Waller, but if he can find the end zone again, fantasy managers will be happy. The good news is that Winston is looking for him around the end zone. Carolina gave up six completions for 48 yards against the Jets last week. Covering the tight end is no strength of the Panthers’ defense. Johnson should see red zone targets again this week in Carolina.

Hopefully, this exercise helps you identify some potential targets to use in your deep league lineups. Getting deep is never easy, but we all need it once in a while. Good luck in your Week 2 matchups.

The post Deep fantasy targets: QB, RB, WR, and TE appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Steven Johnson

This offseason for the Denver Broncos has been dominated by questions surrounding the potential heir to the quarterback throne. Since bringing in former Carolina Panther’s quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, many fans brimmed with questions about what the team would look like this upcoming season. Many wondered if Bridgewater would be a veteran backup to Drew Lock or if he was here to take over the starting offense. All lights have been poised on the two quarterbacks throughout the start of the offseason program, training camp, and now through the first two preseason games, the Broncos have played. Lines for fandom have been drawn and many have moved from a competition standpoint to a fan club.

Those calling for Bridgewater enjoy the familiarity of his play and cite that the Broncos will know what to expect from him. Bridgewater fans explain the need for a quarterback that takes care of the ball and lets the defense put the team in favorable positions with the talent they have on that side of the ball. Many are upset with the lack of consistency the Denver quarterback room has shown over the past few seasons and believe that a “game-manager” quarterback is simply all that the team needs to see success in the upcoming season. Critics for Bridgewater explain that he is too conservative with his decisions. With the talent that the Broncos possess, fans have voiced concerns that Bridgewater can’t capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves. These fans believe that Bridgewater simply doesn’t possess the needed instinct to put points on the board and take shots downfield to keep the Broncos in high-scoring games. Playing in the AFC West, many fans see the success of Patrick Mahomes II and rising star Justin Herbert and wish for the same type of performance. Coming off of Bridgewater’s last season with the Panthers he threw 15 touchdown passes to 11 interceptions. This leads critics to point to a lack of ability to carry a team to wins and leaves doubt as to him taking over the starting role with the talent of the offense around him.

Those advocating for Lock to take over the starting role preach potential and consistency within the system. Fans claim Lock has the ability and physical tools necessary for the Broncos to compete with the likes of the Chiefs and Mahomes. Lock is shown as being the quarterback with higher ceiling potential for his skill and supporters say he needs time in the system to feel comfortable and flourish. Lock fans acknowledge while underperforming in seasons past, they still believe he presents the Broncos with the best opportunity to reach the top of the division and compete for a title for the first time since 2015. Critiques of Drew Lock include that his lack of progression regarding the reading of defenses is worrying and cite his lack of productivity outside of play-action and broken plays. Fans say Lock is dependent on vanilla defensive play and rolling out of the pocket to make something happen. With a stat line of 16 touchdowns to 15 interceptions last season as the starter, critics claim that he does not take care of the ball enough to give the Broncos a chance to compete in games. Many will say that the only quarterback a dominant defense like Denver will need is one that takes care of the football and limits mistakes, pointing to Teddy Bridgewater as a safe, viable option instead. Since watching the competition unfold, many will undoubtedly decide to veer to one of the quarterback options the Broncos are evaluating for the position. With that being said, the decision fans should make is simple.

The fanbase should get behind whoever the Broncos decide to lead the team. This whole offseason has been dominated by both sides rallying for a specific person to take over. Instead of supporting the team and being excited about young growth and returning players, fans have been obsessed with being right in their assumptions about “their guy” and how they perform. Too often have articles and posts been sent out in hopes of swaying people to take their side of the quarterback debate. While okay to have opinions and preferences, I think Broncos Country needs to step back and breathe. The logo of the team will always be more important than the individuals wearing it. The Broncos and the fans already saw the mania that one individual can bring with the emergence of Tim Tebow at quarterback. When Peyton Manning came to Denver, he was supported because of what he brought to the team as a whole. Fans need to stop putting personal preference above the success and values of the team that they support. The Denver Broncos as an organization will be around long after both of these quarterbacks are no longer playing, and fans need to realize that personal agendas aren’t needed when they divide the fanbase. The support of fans should be behind all of the men wearing that orange and blue uniform, not an individual who just so happens to be a Denver Bronco.

The post Which QB will hold the keys to the Broncos offense? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jordan Anders

From his days in Minnesota, to his 5-0 run in New Orleans, to his fresh start in Denver, Teddy Bridgewater’s stats and character have been underlooked. It’s safe to say Teddy Bridgewater is a top backup quarterback who adapts to any environment he is given. Looking outside of last season where he was starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and went 4-11 with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, which is arguably his worst season besides his rookie year. However, many are looking too closely at the stats and not his playing style.

It’s obvious over the last six years that Bridgewater is not a franchise quarterback, but a top backup quarterback. CBS Sports ranked him in the top 3 of backup quarterbacks in the league for the 2021-22 season. Teddy Bridgewater, according to reports, has been performing well in the Broncos camps and practices competing with Broncos quarterback Drew Lock. This is one of the reasons Bridgewater is being underlooked, the media is more focused on Drew Lock and how he is performing in practices. Although coaches have made it clear that the starting job is up for grabs, making the two quarterbacks on the same level to compete.

The Broncos quarterback situation is a hot and touchy subject with the media and especially the fans. It seems to be either Drew Lock or in a perfect world, Aaron Rodgers. Many rumors have connected Rodgers to the Broncos if the Packers decide to trade him of course and that has yet to happen. The meter of acquiring Rodgers is slowly fading as the season approaches, as well. Despite the Broncos monitoring the situation, the Packers stated they would not be trading the QB a week ago and the rumors surrounding Rodgers went from wanting the GM out to a “we will see” type of dilemma. There’s still a chance of acquiring Rodgers, but the light is slowly dimming away. This also means Teddy B’s value is more significant as he could see more reps as preseason approaches.

All in all, the two headed QB monster of Lock and Rodgers in the media spotlight has led to Bridgewater being underlooked. It seems many still focus on Bridgewater’s play last season where his team wasn’t necessarily stacked, plus star running back Christian McCaffrey got injured three games into the season.

His previous season in New Orleans was undoubtedly his best season, after quarterback Drew Brees went down, Bridgewater took the Saints on a 5-0 run on a 67.9% completion rate. Compared to last season, his completion rate was nearly 70% but people are so stuck on the team’s record, which is not a quarterback stat. Bridgewater threw for 3733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The interceptions are a problem, but it can be worked on and that goes Drew Lock as well who had 15 interceptions last season.

Teddy Bridgewater is the veteran quarterback the Broncos need to add competition to the quarterback room in Denver. With his back-up and starting experience, he can either push Lock to be a better starting quarterback or he may take over the job. The season is still a ways away before coaches can make the call but from what the media has provided us of what is going on in practice, the two are completing and making each other better.

The post Why Teddy Bridgewater is very underlooked: Rodgers is a big reason appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Jeremy Trottier

The Denver Broncos have put themselves in a rather precarious situation at the quarterback position.  After drafting Drew Lock in the 2019 NFL draft, they have given him two years to develop and have yet to see a huge leap.  Now, they have brought in last year’s starter for the Carolina Panthers in Teddy Bridgewater to compete for the starting role.  

In this article, I will be going over three reasons as to why Teddy should get the start over Drew, as well as why these factors influence my decision.

Veteran Leadership & Experience

One of the main capabilities and benefits Bridgewater has over Lock is his previous experience in the NFL.  The main point being his stint in New Orleans where he learned from one of the best quarterbacks ever in Drew Brees, as well as head coach Sean Payton.  This experience is invaluable, as it taught Bridgewater how to be smart with the ball as a passer and throw into tight windows.  

This experience also landed Teddy the starting role in Carolina, as former Saints coach Joe Brady had signed with the Panthers as a offensive coordinator.  His knowledge that Teddy was molded into what the Saints were looking for at the time led him to likely push for the Panthers to sign him, as his knowledge of the Saints scheme would work well to the Panthers advantage.  This same knowledge, even in Denver, is huge for any player to have and will definitely help with the mental aspect of his game at the least.

Drew Lock Needs More Time

As much as some may not want to admit it right now, Drew Lock needs a little more time to develop it seems.  At 24 years old and being a 2^nd round pick, he may not be ready to be the full time starter yet.  We saw him start 13 games last year and do decently, but was intercepted one less time compared to his touchdown numbers.

Having a mentor in Teddy Bridgewater to curb those turnovers, as well as allow him to learn a bit more and get an idea of what the team needs at the position will be good for him if it happens.  Most quarterbacks are somewhat set by three to four years into their career, so by the time next season rolls around they will be able to see if he developed at all mentally or if he just is not the answer.

Dual-Threat Capability of Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater is no longer the rusher he once was, but he can still get it done with his legs.  In 2020 he rushed 53 times for 279 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.  This capability to move outside the pocket when he needs to helps a ton, as it prevents forced throws that turn into turnovers.

Lock has not developed this too much yet, he can move, but not at the level Bridgewater can.  Teddy is also willing to give himself up on rushing plays to get the first down, as we saw a few times this season.  This willingness to put his body on the line for the greater good of the team gives a mental leg up to whoever he plays for, as it makes other players want to play harder to help him.

The post 3 reasons Why Teddy Bridgewater could win the QB competition appeared first on Pro Football Mania.