The books are closed on the 2021 season for the Denver Broncos and they certainly have a lot of questions that need to be answered in what assuredly will be a busy offseason.
One of those questions could be easier to solve if they re-sign one key contributor: Teddy Bridgewater.
While the team not only will need to find a new head coach after firing Vic Fangio after their season finale, they are also in the process of getting a new owner with the sale of the team more and more likely in the next coming weeks. These two searches will certainly require a fair share of time, Broncos general manager George Paton can help the future of the team by renegotiating to bring back Bridgewater.
Considering how the past quarterbacks have faired for the team, Teddy was actually steady enough to keep the Broncos in the hunt for a playoff spot before being sidelined with a concussion late in the season against Cincinnati, throwing for 3,052 yards, 18 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
Although most could argue that being safe with the ball isn’t worth keeping a quarterback if you can’t make the postseason, you can truly take a look at Bridgewater’s patience over the course of the season and his ability to keep plays going was a rarity over the last six seasons.
Bridgewater had arguably his best statistical season with Denver, throwing a career-high in touchdowns and a career-low in interceptions. If Paton does decide to move forward with a new quarterback in the draft like most expect, it would be the perfect situation to have knowing that Teddy can not only help mentor whoever comes on, but in the event that he needs to be called upon, he already knows the offense, plays safe with the ball and won’t force anything that he can keep the Broncos in games.
Very few teams have the luxury of having a backup with starting experience and a savvy mentality to know what needs to be done.
To also help his case to stay in Denver is the fact that he was awarded the team’s Darrent Williams Good Guy Award for the play that best exemplifies cooperation and honesty when dealing with the media. It may not be the league MVP that most fans want with their quarterback, but it certainly can have a positive effect on a rookie QB.
Denver Broncos: Here’s the thing about Teddy Bridgewater
Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has come under fire during the season for his poor play at times, but he has been what the team hoped.
Taking a look at all the potential free-agent quarterbacks, there aren’t too many that are better than Bridgewater, taking a gamble on the likes of Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, or Ryan Fitzpatrick could backfire and will just be a rehash of the past six years.
Having consistency could be more beneficial for a young rookie.
Bridgewater, while not the most explosive or big-name quarterback out there, could be the best thing for the Broncos until they find the right one.