The hope is that the Raiders add their next franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. But with the Raiders picking at No. 7, there is no guarantee that they wind up getting their guy at that spot. They will likely need to make a trade-up in order for that to happen.
However, the Raiders also need to cover themselves a tad before free agency in case they can’t select their next passer. Everyone knows the names by now. But is there another option that would make sense as a “bridge” quarterback?
In a recent piece by Seth Walder of ESPN, he named some of the most underrated free agents going into the offseason. That list included Teddy Bridgewater, who has started a ton of games in the NFL. Here is why Walder believes he could be a steal this offseason:
Everyone looking for a fringe starter wants Jacoby Brissett — and rightfully so, as I’d pick him first among the fringe starter group, too. But Bridgewater is not that far behind. His 2022 performance wasn’t great (47.5 QBR in five games with Dolphins), but I think it would be a mistake to overemphasize the 95 action plays he had this past season, particularly because he’s only 30. If we look at the past three seasons, Bridgewater’s QBR is 54.7, only slightly trailing Brissett’s 57.8.
Bridgewater wouldn’t be the team’s long-term answer, but he could be a solid starting quarterback on the right team. And if the Raiders end up taking a chance on someone like Anthony Richardson, they would ideally like him to sit for as long as possible. Bridgewater could give the solid quarterback play in the meantime.
Bridgewater isn’t expected to command a ton of money on the open market, which might be attractive for the Raiders. They need to add depth to their quarterback room anyways and Bridgewater would fit in well.
Don’t be surprised if he is someone the Raiders consider signing early in free agency as they desperately need a veteran passer before going into the draft.
