Vikings to pick up Teddy Bridgewater’s option?

The quarterback situation will be a hotly debated topic over the offseason in Minnesota. The young and still developing Teddy Bridgewater is focusing his efforts on a comeback after brutally injuring his knee back before the regular season.

Until Bridgewater is healthy enough to consider a return to the gridiron, the Vikings have Sam Bradford to fill the role. Bradford played decent in 2016, given the circumstances. He had little protection from the offensive line but still showed enough talent to make throws downfield. However, he lacks the playmaking ability with his feet which takes away a whole other dimension from the Vikings offense. His lack of mobility makes the offensive line’s job much more important up front.

With all that being said, the Vikings have some thinking to do. Will Minnesota pick up Bridgewater’s fifth of year option? How will his injury affect the decision?

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As most fans know, Bridgewater’s knee was in horrid condition. He suffered a torn ACL, along with other ligaments after dislocating his kneecap in practice. Some teammates threw their helmets down in disgust after they watched their franchise quarterback lay helpless on the turf.

Since then, Bridgewater has been a mission. He has been rehabbing well with Eric Sugarman, the Vikings athletic trainer. He was even spotted on video working agility drills in the training room. That amount of growth is encouraging to his future. The 2014 first round pick is making excellent progress according to Mike Zimmer. The Vikings head coach stated this about Bridgewater: “He would be a guy I would never bet against.” Zimmer wouldn’t rule out a return in early 2017, however the timetable is still uncertain.

One thing Bridgewater does have on his side is age. He is still young and healthy enough to recover quicker than most. Given the tools at hand, Bridgewater may surprise and come back sooner than expected. Either way, the Vikings have to make a judgment on his future. Bridgewater is guaranteed to be on the squad for 2017 but 2018 is still in question. According to the Viking Age, Bridgewater’s option is likely to be picked up:

Minnesota will want to give Bridgewater all the time he needs to recuperate and get back on the field. With a player as important as number five, the Vikings will likely have no doubts in giving him extra year needed. There is no need to rush him or make unwarranted expectations. His condition will be monitored throughout the offseason and the Vikings should have an idea of where he’s at come time for training camp.

It seems the Vikings made the right decision back in 2014 when they drafted Bridgewater. They traded up into the first round, allowing said fifth year option to be in play if they choose. That effort is paying off now, at least buying more time. Teddy is expected to make a full recovery but some have doubted if he’ll return to full playing form.

Chances are, once Bridgewater is healthy enough to compete he will be able to do the same things as before. He should still be able to have enough speed and agility to make cuts and move around in the pocket. As for his throwing accuracy, that won’t be in question. Before injury, Bridgewater was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL. Knowing his work ethic, he will only be improved.

Critics would be wise to believe in Bridgewater, rather than doubt. In times of desperation before, Bridgewater has come through with poise. Whether it be on the field or off, expect the young Vikings quarterback to do all he can to overcome the adversity.

— Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.

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