Cam Shaft: The Dynasty Implications of Teddy Bridgewater in Carolina
It seems each day in free agency comes with a surprise or two. Today’s came in the form of the Carolina Panthers allowing long-time quarterback Cam Newton to seek a trade. That was followed by Newton calling out the team on social media and the Panthers signing former New Orleans and Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year contract worth right around $63 million. This surprising turn of events has impacted the dynasty value of several players. Let’s look at some of them with a new and updated lens.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB CAR
Once heralded as the quarterback of the future for the Vikings, Bridgewater seemingly had the world as his oyster not too long ago. However, during a team practice in August of 2016, Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury to his left leg that left him with a torn ACL and a dislocation of his knee joint. This injury was described as “horrific” by those in attendance and completely derailed his career. With more than three years having passed since that fateful day and two years being spent as Drew Brees’ backup in New Orleans after his long and painful recovery, Bridgewater is now back on the radar in dynasty leagues as the starter in Carolina.
After being thrown into the mix when Drew Brees was hurt last season, Bridgewater proved he could still play and threw for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions in nine contests. He will now have a legitimate chance to resurrect the potential he once had as a first round draft pick of the Vikings. The landing spot is a good one for him and he should emerge as a solid QB2 this season if he remains healthy. With Christian McCaffrey to throw passes to, he could be even more if things fall into place. Regardless, his ADP of 239 should now be on the rise yet again. While we need to see a level of consistency here, this development is the best thing for Bridgewater in fantasy or reality in quite some time.
Cam Newton, QB CAR
Well, it’s safe to say the following message on Instagram should end any chance of Newton returning to Carolina:
With that, Newton is up for grabs on the trade market. However, the Panthers may just be forced to release him as they’ve likely lost any leverage they had with Newton after his public tirade. Regardless, it’s clear Cam will be in a different uniform next season. The first thing any team is going to want to know is just how healthy he is. After all, he’s played in all 16 games just twice the past six seasons and just two last year. In addition, Newton has simply not been the same player he was during the Panthers Super Bowl run in 2015. After posting 35 passing touchdowns, ten rushing touchdowns and just ten interceptions that season, Newton has posted a total of 65 passing touchdowns, 15 rushing touchdowns and 44 interceptions in the four seasons and 47 games since.
While one the truly incredible athletes to have ever played the position, it’s fair to wonder if Newton’s body is wearing down. When you consider the distraction he tends to be at times, some teams may simply be scared off. However, expect teams like the Redskins (enter Ron Rivera), Chargers, Patriots, Buccaneers and other quarterback needy teams to at least consider adding the mercurial Newton to see if they can re-open the magic he once had. After all, a motivated Newton could be a scary one. Currently our QB14, Newton has an ADP of 145 and that’s in flux at the moment. Isn’t this fun!
Kyle Allen, QB CAR
Allen came out hot when Newton was lost to injury last year, posting four touchdowns in a big win against Arizona. However, he really limped to the finish line, posting just seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the final six weeks he played. At one point, he was even benched for Will Grier, who subsequently faceplanted. There was hope Allen could be the quarterback of the future at one point in Carolina, but that seems like bit of a pipe dream now, especially with Bridgewater in tow.
Taysom Hill, QB NO
If Drew Brees was to get hurt again, we’ll finally see just what Sean Payton sees in him. Just keep in mind he’s already 29 years old.
Dwayne Haskins, QB WAS
This is going to get interesting. If the Redskins make a move to acquire Newton (which would surprise very few), they will have written the book on how to shatter a young quarterback’s confidence and potentially ruin his career in the process. Stay tuned on this one.
Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers Offense
DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel were supposed to have giant breakout seasons, but both had their moments where they disappointed. With more competent and consistent quarterback play en route, the arrow is again pointing up a bit for this pair. As for McCaffrey, the Panthers know what he is – he’ll get as much as he can handle. If any owner thinks his value is going to go down, offer the farm. And the horse. And the tractor.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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