Bridgewater could still stay with Vikings in 2018 despite no fifth-year option

Due to the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, the quarterback could still remain under contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018.

Early Wednesday it was revealed that the Minnesota Vikings most likely will not be picking up the fifth-year contract option for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Most assume that means that the quarterback will automatically become a free-agent now after the 2017 season.

But not so fast.

Due to Article 20, Section 3 of the NFL’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, Bridgewater’s current contract would be tolled if he remained off of the active roster and on the Physically Unable to Perform list during the entire 2017 season due to it being the last year of his deal with the Vikings. Meaning, the quarterback’s contract would be extended another year to make up for the time he missed.

"“Any player placed on a Physically Unable to Perform list (“PUP”) will be paid his full Paragraph 5 Salary while on such list. His contract will not be tolled for the period he is on PUP, except in the last year of his contract, when the player’s contract will be tolled if he is still physically unable to perform his football services as of the sixth regular season game.”– NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement"

If this were to happen, Bridgewater would be under contract with Minnesota through the 2018 season.

This should at least relieve some of those who were saddened by the reports of the quarterback’s option not being picked up. It also allows the Vikings give Bridgewater as much time as he needs to rehab from his brutal knee injury.

So for those hoping the quarterback would make a return to the field in 2017, it may actually be a better idea for him to sit out next season instead.