New York Jets deserve gold star for Teddy Bridgewater trade

Anybody who understands the New York Jets history, it’s been a really long time since they made good moves at the quarterback position.

Paying up for Joe Namath was of course the high point of their efforts. Since then it’s been a long line of disappointment. Drafting Richard Todd to be Namath 2.0. Taking Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino. Chad Pennington over Tom Brady. Trading up for Mark Sanchez and of course the Christian Hackenberg adventure. It’s not a pretty sight.

Well, apparently something may have finally flipped a switch in that organization because their operation at quarterback in 2018 has been nothing short of flawless. It started with trading up to the #3 overall pick, enabling them to secure USC star, Sam Darnold. Many of whom felt he was the consensus best quarterback in the draft class. Crazy as it sounds, that wasn’t their savviest move.

That came the month before when they chose to sign veteran Teddy Bridgewater in free agency.

Per @MikeSilver, the #Jets got a 3rd rounder for Teddy Bridgewater. Same round as the #Bills got for Tyrod Taylor. https://t.co/MGcMbETonQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2018

Saints and Jets score a win-win trade involving former Pro Bowl QB

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It’s rare that you see a trade in the NFL that is such an obvious win-win situation for both teams. This is one of those times. The Jets signed Bridgewater in March for pennies at $1 million for one season. Everybody knew his story. He was an ascending Pro Bowler who tragically shredded his knee during practice in 2016 and almost lost his leg. It took almost two years to get back on the field. Most people weren’t sure if he’d ever be the same.

His preseason showing to this point, which is his first real action since the injury, proved a lot. He went 28-of-38 for 316 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He handled pressure well and delivered the ball with accuracy and timing. It was like he’d never been away. The Saints, who were the first team he played against, saw enough. They made the trade, not only scoring a top backup quarterback but also a likely successor to Drew Brees.

Remember that Brees is 39-years old and will turn 40 on January 15th. His time in the NFL runs short. Bridgewater is 25 with plenty of years ahead of him. The Saints can take their time grooming him to eventually become the starter when the Hall of Famer is done. Meanwhile, the Jets score a high draft choice for a QB who likely would’ve left next offseason.

It’s hard not to be impressed by both teams for their ability to see the benefits in this trade, but the Jets deserve special commendation for pouncing on the opportunity when they did.

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