Teddy Bridgewater Rumors: Panthers Interested in QB amid Cam Newton Trade Buzz

The Carolina Panthers have won the Teddy Bridgewater sweepstakes.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "a basic agreement" is in place between Bridgewater and the Panthers that should pay him around $20 million per year:

ESPN's Chris Mortensen additionally reported that Carolina and the 27-year-old quarterback "are negotiating a three-year contract in the $60 million range."

ESPN's Dianna Russini had reported earlier Tuesday morning the Panthers were "showing very strong interest" in Bridgewater. "I'm told conversations have been going very well," Russini reported.

The Panthers also announced Tuesday that they have given quarterback Cam Newton permission to seek a trade.

"One of the distinct pleasures of my career was selecting Cam with the first pick in the 2011 draft," general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement. "Every year difficult decisions are made and they are never easy. We have been working with Cam and his agent to find the best fit for him moving forward, and he will always be a Carolina Panther in our hearts."

Newton has been Carolina's starting quarterback since the team drafted him No. 1 overall in 2011.

Newton denied that he requested permission for a trade, commenting on Instagram that he "never asked for it":

"Stop with the word play!" Newton wrote. "Never asked for it! There is no dodging this one, I love the @panthers to death and will always love you guys! Please do not try and play me, or manipulate the narrative and act like I wanted this; you forced me into this! -1ove"

Newton, who turns 31 in May, told CBS Sports Network during Super Bowl week that he would "absolutely" be back in Carolina for next season:

Panthers owner David Tepper did not reciprocate that certainty 11 days later, citing concern over Newton's Lisfranc injury that he suffered in his left foot during the 2019 preseason that limited him to a career-low two regular-season games:

Tepper released a statement after the Panthers confirmed Newton can seek trades:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the New England Patriots were also interested in Bridgewater. He speculated that "a big reason why" Bridgewater might choose the Panthers over the Patriots was Carolina offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

The Panthers hired Brady in January after the 30-year-old helped guide LSU's Joe Burrow, the projected No. 1 overall pick in next month's NFL draft, to a Heisman Trophy as the team's passing game coordinator. The undefeated top-ranked Tigers won the national championship behind a record-breaking season from Burrow.

Carolina previously hired former Baylor Bears head coach Matt Rhule as its head coach in January.

Bridgewater's stock rose as a capable starting quarterback when he stepped in for an injured Drew Brees last season in New Orleans. The 2014 first-round pick led the Saints to a 5-0 record as the starter with 1,205 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Louisville product was originally drafted 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. He served as the starter in 2014 and 2015 before missing all of 2016 after suffering a gruesome knee injury during an August practice. Bridgewater left the Vikings for the New York Jets in 2018, but the Saints traded for him before the regular season began. He re-signed with the Saints on a one-year deal last offseason.

The Panthers re-signed Kyle Allen on a one-year extension earlier this month. He served as the team's starting quarterback after Newton's injury last year. He threw for 3,332 yards, 17 touchdowns and 16 picks on a 62 percent completion rate across 13 games (12 starts).

Allen will likely shift back into the backup role with Bridgewater coming in as the presumed starter. Just as he had in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara with New Orleans, Bridgewater will have plenty of help in running the Panthers offense—primarily from dual-threat running back Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey had 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on 287 carries as well as 1,005 yards and four touchdowns on 116 catches in 2019.

The Panthers have missed the postseason the last two years.