The Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to pick up the fifth-year option on Teddy Bridgewater’s contract, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s been nearly eight months since Bridgewater’s knee exploded during a non-contact practice drill last August. With his future still in doubt, the Vikings apparently aren’t willing to wager the $11 million he’d get paid in 2018.
“Teddy, I can tell you, our first week of offseason has been incredible,” Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Wednesday. “He’s been in here working as hard as anyone, fighting his way back. I wouldn’t put it past that kid how quickly he can come back. But it’s still unknown. You know, Bradford was here the very first day and leading the group, and we are very fortunate to have both of those players at that position on our roster right now.”
The Vikings have until May 2 to make a decision about Bridgewater’s option.
Sam Bradford is expected to start at quarterback for the Vikings next season. The long-term plan could include franchise tagging Bradford after the 2017 season, extending Bradford’s contract beyond 2017 or keeping Bridgewater on a new contract. Minnesota could also choose to add a potential quarterback of the future in the draft this week.
“I’m not going to say we’re not going to take one or we’re going to take one,” Spielman said Wednesday when asked about drafting a quarterback. “We’ll just see how the draft unfolds and see who’s there and who’s not there.”
