SportsLine NFL simulations: Bridgewater signing gives Panthers a slight boost

The quarterback carousel continued to turn Tuesday with the Carolina Panthers finalizing a contract with former New Orleans Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater.

Bridgewater is being brought on to replace Cam Newton, who was given permission to seek a trade. 

Newton had been the starter in Carolina since he was drafted first overall in 2011 after leading Auburn to a national title and winning the Heisman Trophy. 

The 30-year-old was named the league's MVP in 2015 and led the Panthers to the Super Bowl after that same season, but he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

Bridgewater agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal, according to ESPN. The 27-year-old went 5-0 last season in relief for New Orleans after starter Drew Brees broke his thumb. 

Bridgewater was a first-round pick by the Vikings out of Louisville in 2014, and he made the Pro Bowl once in Minnesota. 

He suffered a serious knee injury that forced him to miss the 2016 and 2017 seasons, and he played for the New York Jets in 2018. 

Joe Brady, who worked with Bridgewater as a Saints assistant, is now the offensive coordinator in Carolina.

The SportsLine Projection Model has run the numbers on Bridgewater's impact on the Panthers, and he will give the rebuilding team a slight uptick. 

With Newton as the starter, the team was projected for 4.8 wins and had a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs. Bridgewater's presence bumps those numbers to 5.0 wins and a 1.7 percent shot at the postseason.

Backups Kyle Allen or Will Grier would give the team a projected 3.9 victories and a 0.2 percent chance at the playoffs.

The Panthers, who went 5-11 last season, are listed at +12500 to win the Super Bowl next season at William Hill, ahead of only the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals at +20000. 

They are +600 to win the NFC, ahead of only Washington (+10000). 

The 2020 free agency flurry is in its legal tampering period now, and teams can officially sign players starting Thursday at 4 p.m.

To keep up with the signings and how they affect the NFL futures odds, check back here for new and updates.