Teddy Bridgewater return would be perfect for Saints, Tyler Shough

By Ross Jackson

On Tuesday morning, the New Orleans Saints made a surprising move by releasing veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci. 

Sure, no one was expecting that DiNucci would be looked at as a starting quarterback option in New Orleans, especially after their second-round investment in former Louisville signal caller Tyler Shough in this year’s draft. But as a veteran player with experience with head coach Kellen Moore, it seemed likely that he would stick around as a mentor to the mostly young room.

New Orleans looks more and more each day to be ready to part ways with starting quarterback Derek Carr, leaving young passers like Shough and second-year passer Spence Rattler to battle it out for the starting job in 2025.

Most expectations are that Shough will be awarded the opportunity, considering he was the current coaching staff’s draft selection, either before or during the season.

But what each passer, specifically Shough, could benefit from is another veteran in the building. Should Carr and the Saints part ways or should Carr elect for season-ending shoulder surgery, New Orleans would be left with third-year passer Jake Haener as their most experienced passer.

Perhaps the Saints are comfortable enough with Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and quarterback coach Scott Tolzien leading the passers’ development without a veteran in the room as all three are former NFL quarterbacks themselves. But for the players, having another more experienced current player to rely upon is very helpful.

That’s why the Saints should pursue a reunion with Teddy Bridgewater. 

The Saints have shown that their affinity for returns and familiar faces continues with several examples this offseason. Bridgewater, who was with the team during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, would bring a uniquely-positioned ability to connect with Shough in the meanwhile.

There are several benefits to a Bridgewater return. The first of which comes down to the young quarterback. Both Shough and Bridgewater are Louisville alumni. While Shough’s past injuries haven’t been catastrophic the way that Bridgewater’s 2016 leg injury was, the former Saint’s ability to manage the adversity he did to return to the field could be beneficial for Shough.

“I appreciate you guys for accepting me… I love y’all,”

– Teddy Bridgewater’s postgame speech ⚜️

(Via @NFLFilms) #Saints pic.twitter.com/tCmPhjYAz1

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 25, 2019

Bridgewater came into the league with better-than-decent athleticism but was always a pass-first quarterback. Shough fits a similar mold and could learn from Bridgewater on how to maximize those tools.

Beyond the clear benefits for the rookie are the benefits for the team. New Orleans has been under a lot of scrutiny from its fanbase over the last few years, specifically lately around the ongoing situation with the quarterback room and Carr. Bridgewater would provide some much needed good will from the fans, as the 5-1 as a Saint passer is beloved in the city. 

Shough has already made some good-faith strides in an attempt to connect with Saints fans, and Bridgewater could help him build upon that. A quarterback room of Shough, Bridgewater and Rattler would quickly win over many dissenters.

The Superdome chanting “Teddy” after the TD pass to Thomas @wdsu pic.twitter.com/R35fwQHSH6

— Sharief Ishaq (@ShariefWDSU) October 6, 2019

Along with finding a veteran wide receiver, landing a veteran quarterback that can help the Saints’ rookie quarterback make strides, develop confidence and make in-roads with the city may be the most important next step for the Saints’ offseason. The good news for the Saints is that they already have Bridgewater’s contact information.

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