Buccaneers should avoid Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater should not be an option for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The idea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading for Teddy Bridgewater has gained some traction of late.

With Jameis Winston out for three games, and his off-the-field antics putting his future with the Buccaneers in doubt, some believe adding Bridgewater could provide insurance.

Before breaking down why this is a bad idea. Here’s a quick reminder on how Bridgewater’s career has gone so far.

First of all, he suffered what some believed to be a career-ending injury and has played in one game since 2015. Bridgewater’s best season is comparable to Winston’s worst. In 2015, Bridgewater racked up 3,231 yards and threw for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

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In comparison Winston completed just threw 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for 3,504. Oh, and his completion percentage was just a tad worse than Bridgewater’s.

Even though Bridgewater may be the starter for the Jets, a team with a 39-year-old Josh McCown and rookie Sam Darnold, he may not beat out Ryan Fitzpatrick in training camp.

Bridgewater has no knowledge of Dirk Koetter’s offense. He would be asked to compete with Fitzpatrick, who went 2-1 in starts last season and threw for seven touchdowns. Fitzpatrick has a strong grasp on the offense and Bridgewater would be learning his second system in less than a year.

Frankly, the only reason the Buccaneers should trade for Bridgewater would be if they had zero belief that Winston can turn himself around. Which doesn’t seem to be the case because he is still on the roster, and slated to start in week four.

The issue certainly hasn’t been on the field with Winston. He has saw an increase in yards per game, completion percentage and quarterback rating last season, despite having one of the worst offensive lines in football last season.

The strides haven’t been major, but there isn’t any doubt that Winston has been moving in the right direction.

Winston is without a doubt on his final strike. One more screw up and he is gone. However, this wouldn’t be the time to find his replacement. The Uber incident happened two years ago and it appears he has a clean record ever since. The success of the 2018 season rides on Winston’s shoulders. If he can prove he is Tampa’s franchise quarterback, the outlook for this team will look positive again.

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There is no need to make create a quarterback controversy. The Buccaneers have their quarterback, and it is Winston.

Bridgewater’s contract situation also brings up more concerns. Tampa has no control over his future. He signed a one-year deal with the Jets and can go wherever he pleases next season.

The Buccaneers would be giving up a draft pick for a player who will likely play at most three games. Then leave in free agency the following season.

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Now is not the time to add Bridgewater. Winston is entering year three and it is a pivotal year to assess his development. Jumping the gun and trying to replace him this year will do more harm than good.