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Everyone is hitting up “Radio Row” in Miami ahead of Super Bowl LIV, with Alvin Kamara discussing his contract status and New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton appearing on the NFL Network set on Thursday. Another familiar face was backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday.
Bridgewater acknowledged that he’s enjoyed his time in New Orleans, but he can’t afford to let his personal feelings cloud his judgment when it comes to deciding his financial future. While he did choose to return to the Saints as one of the league’s top-paid backups last summer, he should have a stronger market in free agency this year after winning all five of his starts in 2019.
“Last year everyone said I turned down ‘X’ amount of dollars to go back to New Orleans. Honestly, for me, I’m a businessman but I’m a smart businessman,” Bridgewater said. “I don’t make decisions with my heart, I use my brain to think things through. Last year I made the decision to return to New Orleans and it worked out for the better for me. This year, it’s one of those deals where like I said it’ll be the same thing. I don’t try to make any decision of the impulse of my heart. I think things through and go from there.”
Bridgewater’s decision to return last year made sense because it suggested he was the heir-apparent to Drew Brees. But he should get real starting-caliber opportunities and the pay raise that comes with them after his recent success. It’s going to be difficult for the Saints to retain both of them (as well as third-stringer Taysom Hill), and it all sets up a fascinating offseason for New Orleans.
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