Teddy Bridgewater Might Not Be as Expensive For Bears as First Thought

Teddy Bridgewater is one of the most fascinating topics going into 2020 free agency. Here's a former 1st round pick who almost lost his NFL career to a devastating knee injury in 2016. He worked his way back for two years, accepted a role as a backup, stepped in for an injured Drew Brees last season, went 5-0 and is now about to become available. All signs point to him have a strong market. What a story.

Would the Chicago Bears have any hope of being competitive for him? Based on initial rumors that he could command $25-30 million per year, that answer is obvious. They just aren't in a position to offer that kind of money. However, ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler aren't so sure the price tag will go that high.

"Andy Dalton should be very much in play here, with Case Keenum considered a baseline option. And if Tom Brady goes to the Titans, Tannehill suddenly emerges as a coveted option for several QB-needy teams.

Teddy Bridgewater might be out of play in Chicago, since he'll be looking for a clear path to a starting QB job. One exec says he expects Bridgewater to seek $20-plus million per year. We're not sure if he'll get it, but he should have a strong market."

Teddy Bridgewater might just be worth it at that number

While $20 million per year is still a lot of money, it's far more palatable than those initial projections. It would actually be less than what Nick Foles signed for last year in Jacksonville. There are a few factors on why this could prove true. Foles was a former Super Bowl MVP with four playoff wins the previous two years. Bridgewater won five regular season games and was surrounded by loads of elite talent in New Orleans.

There is also the fact that the QB market this year is unusually rich, which will eat into his moneymaking potential. Teams will have options. This means the dollar amount he might be looking for won't be realistic. It's not certain the Bears are preparing an active pursuit of the 27-year old, but I've been told there is mutual interest. How strong it is remains to be seen.

Bridgewater can best be compared to Alex Smith. He's not an elite talent but he's smart, efficient, accurate, and makes good throws when he has to. That would be an improvement on what the Bears have right now.