It is still not entirely clear whether Teddy Bridgewater’s contract with the Minnesota Vikings actually expires – or whether the last contract year will be repeated due to the forced break of the quarterback due to violations. In the Bridgewater camp, however, there seems to be little doubt.
This is reported at least by Pro Football Talk, citing internal sources. Accordingly, the Bridgewater Camp assumes that the contractual situation will be “no problem”.
The situation is curious to say the least: Originally, it was assumed that Bridgewater was automatically bound to the vikings for another year, as he had spent the first six games in his last contract year on the PUP list (“Physically Unable to Perform”). The appropriate rule states that the last contract year for this case is in principle put on hold for one year.
Little by little, however, there were reports that this only happens when he spends the entire last season on the PUP list before his contract expires. The Collective Bargaining Agreement seems to represent the “6-game theory” relatively clearly, according to Article 20:
“Each player placed on the PUP list receives his or her full salary referred to in paragraph 5. His contract will not be suspended while he is on the PUP list unless he is in the last contract year. The player’s contract will be suspended if he/she is still on the PUP’s list in the sixth regular season game” This definition would apply to Bridgewater.
At the beginning of February, the Vikes themselves hadn’t allowed themselves to be enraptured by any definitive statement:”As far as the repetition of the last contract year is concerned, this is not a Vikings decision, it’s an NFL and player union decision,”explained Minnesota’s managing director Rick Spielman at ESPN.
Back in May he had emphasised to PFT Live:”We know the rule very well. We understand every aspect that flows into it. But for contractual reasons, I do not wish to comment on this further. There are, however, specific rules and we are aware of them.”
So far, at least, the league has not made a clear statement – and so time is running out for everyone involved. On the 14th. March marks the beginning of the new league year and thus also the Free Agency. Depending on the outcome of the decision, Bridgewater or the team could appeal against it, and time must also be allowed.
For all those involved, this is an absolutely critical decision. For the 26-year-old, the question is whether he will test the market from mid-March onwards or whether he will automatically stay with the Vikings for another season. Minnesota on the other hand, if the last contract year were to be substantially repeated, Bridgewater would have a base salary of $1.3 million – while Case Keenum and Sam Bradford’s deals expire, this would be a huge boost.
Bridgewater took over early in the 2014 season as a starter in Minnesota and then played the full 2015 season. Immediately before the start in 2016, the 25-year-old then seriously injured his knee, and it took until late last year before he could play again.