Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers trade Teddy Bridgewater to Broncos for sixth-round pick

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/28/21

The Denver Broncos finally have their quarterback to compete with Drew Lock for the starting job.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Carolina Panthers traded Teddy Bridgewater to the Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick. The Panthers will pay part of Bridgewater's 2021 salary as part of a restructured contract to finalize the deal, Pelissero adds.

The Panthers save over $12 million in cap space with the move, per Over the Cap.

Carolina will pay a portion of Bridgewater’s 2021 compensation as part of a restructured contract to finalize the deal to Denver, which now has competition for Drew Lock … and options with the No. 9 pick. https://t.co/R7ryftKY6T
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 28, 2021

The Panthers' decision to trade Bridgewater comes after they acquired Sam Darnold from the New York Jets earlier this month. Darnold will now likely be the starter in Carolina, while Bridgewater will have the opportunity to fight for the job in Denver.

Bridgewater spent just one season with the Panthers after signing a three-year, $63 million deal last offseason. He went 4-11 last season, completing 69.1% of his passes for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Denver's trade for Bridgewater likely signals what many already knew: The Broncos aren't completely sold on Lock, who went 4-9 last season.

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

More must-reads: