The Vikings are unlikely to pick up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater‘s fifth-year option, league sources tell ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. Minnesota has until early May to formally make the call. 
[RELATED: 2018 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker]
The news doesn’t come as a huge surprise when considering the medical battle that still lies ahead for the QB. Recently, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer admitted that he has “no idea” whether Bridgewater will be able to play in 2017. When Bridgewater does return, he’ll be susceptible to further complications and with that in mind the Vikings are not inclined to guarantee his 2018 season for injury. The option year is worth upwards of $11MM.
Bridgewater, of course, missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear and knee dislocation. After the injury, the Vikings traded for Sam Bradford and this year they signed Case Keenum to be his backup. The Vikings are hoping for the best with Bridgewater, but they are planning for the worst and proceeding as though they will not get him back on the field anytime soon.
I hope he can return and be as good as he was before he got hurt. I really like this guy ever since he was in college and you never wish this on anyone especially someone this young
Not surprising. If he doesn’t make the field this year, then he’s on a prove it deal wherever he lands.
It’s incredibly sad such a likable guy as well
Would love to see the jets take a shot at him. We hand out more dummy contracts than anyone.
Good guy, but his ceiling is as a low level starter. That’s not the kind of guy you invest in. The bad news for the Vikings is that Bradford also has a very low ceiling. They desperately deserve a long-term, franchise QB. Who is the last one they truly had? Tarkenton?
Culpepper.. until he shredded his knee
Agreed Southern Conservative. Teddy was never going to be star material. The talent is there but he doesn’t have that “it” thing to push him to the next level. Kind of like Cutler. I feel for Teddy. Heck of a nice kid…hope he recovers and can play somewhere. I just doubt it will be at the top tier NFL level. Bradford is basically a place holder for the time being until they can draft or sign a top flight QB…could be a while but hey…didn’t the Ravens win a SB with Trent Dilfer? Anything is possible I guess.