Who could trade for Teddy Bridgewater if the Jets make him available?

Lucas Aulbach | Courier Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Starstruck at the 2018 Courier Journal Sports Awards After meeting former University of Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, local high school athletes were a bit starstruck.

To the surprise of no one who watched him at the University of Louisville, Teddy Bridgewater has reportedly looked like a starter during summer practices with the New York Jets. So who’s going to give him a shot?

Bridgewater is caught up in a three-man race with rookie Sam Darnold and veteran Josh McCown to start the season under center for New York. Darnold is the future. McCown is the past — and potentially present, if Darnold isn’t deemed ready by coaches.

But Bridgewater, inexplicably signed by the Jets in the offseason just days before they would trade up in the draft for a quarterback, has gone from afterthought to someone who has the potential to help an NFL team win games. And on a relatively cheap one-year deal, he could also be a coveted trade target for another QB-needy team outside of New York.

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So who could be in play for Bridgewater if the Jets do decide to move the former Louisville star? Well, we have some ideas.

Cincinnati Bengals

This would be a dream situation for plenty of Cardinals fans. You can bet there are plenty in Louisville who would make that two-hour drive up Interstate 71 on Sundays to catch Bridgewater back out there.

And the fit makes sense, too. Andy Dalton has had success since entering the league seven years ago, but after years of coming up short in the postseason, he (and coach Marvin Lewis) are on thin ice with a significant portion of the Cincy fan base. If the Bengals decide to go in a different direction, Bridgewater could be ready to step in.

Besides, we all remember how well Teddy's last trip to Cincinnati went.

The Bengals should trade for Bridgewater just based on that clip alone.

Jacksonville Jaguars

They have the running game, with Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon. They have the strong offensive line and one of the toughest defenses in the league. The only thing the Jaguars seem to be missing is a standout quarterback.

Blake Bortles (a name that still gives some Louisville fans nightmares) has been on thin ice for a couple years, although he had a bit of a bounce-back last year as Jacksonville made a suprise run to the AFC title game. But his contract only has a few years left, and the team has a decision to make. Bringing in a little competition might not hurt.

From June: Teddy Bridgewater offers advice at Courier Journal Sports Awards

Miami Dolphins

This one all hinges on where Ryan Tannehill stands. If his knee is fully recovered, as appears to be the case, Bridgewater could serve as a high-end backup for a team that currently has a motley crew of Brock Osweiler, Bryce Petty and David Fales competing for the spot. But if Tannehill still needs some time, would you trust any of those three getting the start? I didn't think so.

Plus, putting Teddy back in his hometown? While he makes an inspirational comeback from a catastrophic knee injury? Pass me those tissues, I think somebody's cutting onions in here.

Any team in need of a backup

The New York Giants, the Los Angeles Chargers and the New Orleans Saints all have aging quarterbacks coming toward the end of their careers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without Jameis Winston for the first three weeks. As tough as it would be to see, the New England Patriots could use someone behind Tom Brady. Could any of these teams make a move?

Bridgewater is a solid quarterback. If he's fully healthy and the New York Jets decide to trade him, he should have plenty of suitors.

Lucas Aulbach: 502-582-4649; laulbach@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @LucasAulbachCJ. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/lucasa.