Jets Land Bridgewater After Falling Short in Cousins Sweepstakes

The Jets have finally found their quarterback of the future…sort of. After falling short in the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes against the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater plans to sign a one-year contract with the New York Jets when the new league year officially begins Wednesday, per @mortreport.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018

It wasn’t long ago when Jets’ general manager Mike Maccagnan told the media that the team would be very “aggressive” at the start of free agency. However, when the legal tampering period officially begun, Maccagnan’s Jets remained quiet. Players that Gang Green reportedly had their eyes on were reaching agreements elsewhere. It seemed as though Maccagnan had yet to pick up the phone.

But finally, he did. Quarterback remained and still remains the top priority for the Jets, and Maccagnan was able to ink one of the best available in free agency.

How Will Bridgewater Fit?

Teddy Bridgewater was considered one of the league’s top up-and-coming quarterbacks just a years ago. He was making waves in Minnesota and brought the team to the playoffs during his sophomore season. Unfortunately, a gruesome ACL injury derailed his potential long term with the team.

At only 26 years old, there is still plenty of time for Bridgewater to get his career back on track. The Jets may be gambling with their fortunes by signing a quarterback so prone to injury, but his talent nonetheless shines hope on his future.

In Teddy Bridgewater's last healthy season (2015), he ranked first among NFL QBs in adjusted completion percentage.

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He'll be just 26 years old in 2018. High potential with major injury concerns. #Jets need to pair him with a top draft QB

— John Gatta (@johngattajr) March 13, 2018

In 2015, Bridgewater had a 65.3 completion percentage including 3,231 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also scored three touchdowns on the ground. This type of versatility may make Bridgewater one of the best Jets quarterbacks in recent history. His arm strength and his ability to make big plays are some bright spots as well.

So, What’s The Plan?

It was reportedly Tuesday evening that the Jets also re-signed QB Josh McCown to a one year, $10 million deal. The Jets made it a priority to go ahead and suit up their quarterback position before diving into other areas of need. Josh McCown should make a viable mentor/backup for the young Bridgewater.

And on the other hand, the Jets still own the 6th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. With a number of highly praised play-callers projected to go early, the Jets can try and patch up the position a bit more.

– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets