It’s been assumed by just about in and around the college -- and NFL -- game that Teddy Bridgewater would leave a year of eligibility on the table and make himself available for the April draft.
While that appears likely to be the case a month or so ahead of the NFL deadline for draft-eligible players to declare their intentions, it seems as if the Louisville quarterback is at least leaving the door cracked for a return to school.
In a tweet posted by former NFL scout and current Bay Area radio /CSN personality John Middlekauff Friday afternoon, sources tell him that Bridgewater is indeed considering a return to the Cardinals, although a final decision on which path his football future will take has yet to be made.
Multiple sources tell me Teddy Bridgewater has contemplated returning to school. No decision has been made at this point
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) December 13, 2013
Shortly after Middlekauff’s tweet, Gil Brandt, the long-time Dallas Cowboys director of personnel and current NFL.com analyst, tweeted the following:
Told same 2 days ago by someone I trust. Would be shocked MT @JohnMiddlekauff: Sources: Bridgewater has contemplated returning to school
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 13, 2013
Louisville will face Miami in the Russell Athletic Bowl Dec. 28,. at which point Bridgewater will be expected to announce whether he’s returning to the UofL or leaving early.
If it’s the former, draftniks across the country will be stunned... and forced to adjust the very top of their mock drafts. From Rotoworld to CBSSports.com to FOXSports.com to Sports Illustrated to SBNation.com to just about all other points in between, Bridgewater is projected to be the first player taken in the NFL draft next April. To say that Bridgewater returning would serve as a surprise is an understatement.
The fact that he’s reportedly even considering it, however, is just as big. And potentially huge for the Cardinals football program, as unlikely as it is.