According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the San Francisco 49ers have called the Carolina Panthers to inquire about quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
"San Francisco is among the teams that have called Carolina to gauge the Panthers' interest in potentially trading Bridgewater, according to league sources," wrote Person. "San Francisco general manager John Lynch indicated last week the 49ers would like to find a solid backup as insurance for oft-injured starter Jimmy Garoppolo."
Teams have called the Panthers about Teddy Bridgewater, including the 49ers. But he might be needed ... in Carolina. https://t.co/XdlaeBl5Vo
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 1, 2021
Person notes that USA Radio Network host Dan Sileo first reported the news last weekend, which apparently fell through the cracks.
While the report from The Athletic points out that the 49ers are looking to upgrade the backup quarterback spot, Bridgewater's contract earns him starting money. He has a base salary of $17 million in 2021 and $20 million in 2022.
Lynch said on the Eye Test for Two podcast last week that San Francisco has to have better backup options in place should Garoppolo miss time again, but reiterated that the 49ers have faith that Garoppolo will be the quarterback in September.
"Though, being available is a big part of this thing," Lynch said. "So ... we probably, as a stated goal, we have to insulate ourselves better, and we have to have better options if he's not there."
Added Lynch: "When he's healthy, he's played at a high level. But we probably have to add someone. We probably need to improve ourselves, so if he's not there we're all right … we can win games."
Person adds that the Panthers aren't in a hurry to trade their quarterback. The team is waiting to see how their offseason unfolds before making any decision on Bridgewater. Carolina is among the teams expected to try to upgrade the quarterback position. That could come via a trade or the draft.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Bridgewater out of Louisville with the No. 32 overall pick in 2014. He completed 340-of-492 attempts (69.1 percent) for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions through 15 games with the Panthers in 2020.
Bridgewater, 28, has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 11,385 yards with 53 touchdowns and 36 interceptions through his six NFL seasons. He spent three seasons with the Vikings, and then two with the New Orleans Saints before signing a three-year deal with Carolina in 2020.
Bridgewater was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015.