Broncos rumors: Teddy Bridgewater trade shaping up?

The Denver Broncos have always been a natural candidate to trade for Teddy Bridgewater and a draft-day trade with Carolina might already be cooking.

Throughout the offseason, Drew Lock sitting as the incumbent starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos has cast a shadow over a franchise and roster that’s otherwise in a terrific spot. That fact has led many to speculate about the moves new general manager George Paton could make to upgrade under center, either via the 2021 NFL Draft or otherwise.

So when the Carolina Panthers traded for Sam Darnold and were subsequently left trying to figure out what to do with Teddy Bridgewater, Denver was immediately connected as a possible destination. But with the draft approaching, nothing had materialized. That might be changing behind closed doors, though.

In his pre-draft Football Morning in America column, NBC Sports’ Peter King noted that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the Broncos were able to trade a mid-round pick during the draft to land Bridgewater in Denver.

Speculating with information from sources is one thing but the specificity of King’s supposition in combination with his track record of being plugged in leads one to believe there’s something to this. In fact, my best guess would be that Bridgewater to Denver is probably more likely than not to happen at this point. And that’s great news for the franchise.

Teddy Bridgewater would be a huge asset for the Broncos in 2021

As mentioned, the roster in Denver is set up to compete, even in the loaded AFC West. The defense has long been strong and they re-upped the talent there with signings of Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby while retaining Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris to roll with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. That unit could be dangerous and could add more in the draft as well.

Furthermore, the Broncos offensive line has developed into a formidable unit in the past year or so and the weaponry was substantially upgraded last offseason. Not only does Denver have Melvin Gordon at running back but tight end Noah Fant along with wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler comprise a terrific group.

All of that is why Lock’s lack of performance has been so troubling. And while Teddy Bridgewater may not be Patrick Mahomes, he’s a veteran player who can win a lot of games with high-end talent around him.

The upgrade from Lock to Bridgewater would be substantial enough for the Broncos to possibly make a run into the playoffs akin to what we’ve seen from other teams throughout the league in recent years in that they win with average quarterback play and an elite roster helping elevate him. And if that only costs a mid-round pick, why wouldn’t Denver do that deal?