Zimmer optimistic about Bridgewater's long-term future in Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings declined the fifth-year option in Teddy Bridgewater's contract, but that doesn't necessarily mean the team is readying to part ways with the quarterback.

"It doesn't mean Teddy wouldn't be a Minnesota Viking, it just means, where his health is at this point, we wouldn't pick up his option," general manager Rick Spielman said Friday on PFT Live with Mike Florio.

In fact, head coach Mike Zimmer spoke to the media Friday and said he is optimistic about Bridgewater being with Minnesota long term, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Bridgewater suffered a catastrophic knee injury on the practice field before last season began, one he's still recovering from.

Though the Vikings have refrained from placing a timeline on his recovery, Zimmer has seen positive signs from his quarterback.

"I'm probably more optimistic now about him eventually playing than I have been at any point," Zimmer said. "He's still got a long ways to go," he added.

The Vikings chose not to guarantee an option that would have paid Bridgewater more than $11 million in 2018 and may opt instead to sign him to an extension under more team-friendly terms.