Bridgewater and Lock to split reps this offseason

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Panthers are trading QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Broncos for a 6th-round pick. That seems like a surprisingly small price, but Bridgewater is due nearly $23 million this year and would still carry $5 million in dead money on the 2022 cap if released after this season. His departure clears the way for Sam Darnold to take over the offense -- if Carolina doesn't go QB in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. In Denver, we'd bet on a competition between Bridgewater and Drew Lock for the starting gig. This trade might not necessarily take the Broncos out of the NFL Draft QB market. But it at least suggests they don't expect to land a 2021 starting candidate at the position. Bridgewater threw just 15 TD passes in his lone season with Carolina. If he earns the starting job in Denver, he'll find a talent-rich set of pass-catchers that includes Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant and K.J. Hamler.

After dealing for QB Sam Darnold, the Panthers have given QB Teddy Bridgewater permission to seek a trade, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Carolina is open to Bridgewater returning, but will give him a chance to have a say in his future," Rapoport adds. Bridgewater straddles the line between quality NFL starter and backup, so it's unclear how much interest there will be in him on the trade market. The takeaway here, though, is that the Panthers are planning on handing the keys to Darnold.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater injured his left (non-throwing) arm at the end of Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. He told reporters afterward that he hurt “something in my arm” but didn’t sound too concerned, according to ESPN’s David Newton. Bridgewater gets a Week 13 bye to rest up.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report. He’ll be back under center for Sunday’s game against the Vikings’ 14th-ranked QB defense.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, putting him on track to return for this weekend's game against the Vikings. He'll be just a mid-range QB2 for that one. But, despite QB P.J. Walker's solid Week 11, Bridgewater should still be considered an upgrade for Carolina's offense.