Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater leaves the field after the Vikings lost to the Arizona Cardinals 23-20 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, December 10, 2015. Photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer talks with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) before attempting a punt against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter of their AFC Wild Card game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on January 10, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 10-9. Photo by Marilyn Indahl/UPI | License Photo

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- When Teddy Bridgewater suffered a torn ACL and dislocated knee on Aug. 30, Minnesota Vikings fans watched optimism plummet.

Then came the mood swing when the team traded a first round and fourth round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford.


Fans haven't forgot about Bridgewater, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2015, leading the Vikings to a 11-5 record and NFC North crown. But Bradford didn't disappoint, either.

The 29-year-old former No. 1 draft pick set the single-season completion percentage record by completing 71.6 percent of his tosses.

His performance led coach Mike Zimmer to conclude that Bradford has "earned the right to be the starting quarterback."

"I think Sam has played great this year," Zimmer said at his season ending press conference. "I think he has earned the right to be the starting quarterback."

"Sam has done remarkable with the things he's done this year with all the things he's had to do," Zimmer said.

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While Bradford is booked for $13 million and a $4 million roster bonus next season, Bridgewater is signed through the 2017 season for $2.18 million. But the Vikings must make a decision on his fifth-year option in May.

ESPN's Ben Goessling reports that "it seems likely they will exercise the option, even though it will check in north of $11 million, because it gives them another year to evaluate" his recovery.

The Vikings fired former quarterbacks coach Scott Turner Monday, according to multiple sources.

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Bridgewater completed 292-of-447 passes for 3,231 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2015. He also ran for three scores. This season, Bradford completed 395-of-552 passes for 3,877 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions.