New Orleans acquired Teddy Bridgewater and a 2019 sixth-round…
New Orleans acquired Teddy Bridgewater and a 2019 sixth-round pick from the Jets for a 2019 third-rounder. Bridgewater became Drew Brees' backup and delivered the trade's defining value in 2019, going 5-0 as the starter while Brees recovered from a thumb injury. The Saints also retained the sixth-round selection, while New York later used the incoming third-round capital in another draft-day move.
New Orleans Saints Received
- player Teddy Bridgewater
- pick 2019 6th round pick (177th overall, Saquan Hampton)
New York Jets Received
- pick 2019 3rd round pick (93rd overall, subsequently traded)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
The Jets traded Teddy Bridgewater and a 2019 sixth-round pick to New Orleans on August 29, 2018, receiving a 2019 third-round selection in return. The sixth-rounder became No. 177, which New Orleans used on safety Saquan Hampton. The third-rounder became No. 93; New York later moved that selection as part of another draft transaction rather than using it directly on a player.
Why New Orleans Won
Bridgewater's value became obvious in 2019. When Drew Brees injured his thumb, Bridgewater stepped into a Super Bowl-caliber roster and won all five of his starts during Brees' absence. He completed a high percentage of his passes, protected the football and kept the Saints at the top of the NFC race. A backup quarterback who can preserve five wins during an injury to a Hall of Fame starter can materially change a season. New Orleans also received the sixth-round pick, giving the club a second asset in the exchange.
How the Trade Aged
The Jets deserve credit for creating a third-round pick from a quarterback they no longer planned to start. Sam Darnold had won the job, and New York had signed Bridgewater only months earlier, so converting him into Day 2 capital was efficient. The later movement of No. 93 complicates any attempt to credit one downstream player directly to this trade. Even so, the Saints can point to a concrete five-game stretch in which Bridgewater protected a contending season.
Final Verdict
New Orleans earns a B+ and New York a B-. Both clubs made rational roster decisions, but the Saints received the most consequential football value. Bridgewater's 5-0 starting run justified the price of the third-round pick and then some for a contender. New Orleans Saints Win.