Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly nearing a return to the NFL, but it will not be with the Detroit Lions this time.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the veteran quarterback is visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is expected to sign with the NFC South squad. If the move is finalized, it would mark Bridgewater’s eighth NFL team, and his third within the NFC South, having previously played for the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2025
The Buccaneers will be Bridgewater’s 8th NFL team, and his third NFC South team to go along with the Saints and Panthers. pic.twitter.com/nOEgJOx2xh
Bridgewater’s Post-Lions Pivot
After spending time in Detroit as Jared Goff’s backup, Bridgewater stepped away from the league to coach high school football. He took over at Miami Northwestern, leading the Bulls to a 12-2 record and a dominant playoff run before his tenure was cut short by a suspension related to providing transportation and meals for players, violations under Florida state rules.
Now, Bridgewater is pivoting back to pro football, and not at a moment too soon for teams looking for experienced quarterback depth.
What This Means
Should Bridgewater sign with Tampa Bay, he’d be joining a quarterback room led by Baker Mayfield, and would likely slot in as a veteran backup and mentor, the same role he played in Detroit. The move would take one potential option off the board for the Lions, who now may need to explore other routes if they’re not confident in the Kyle Allen/Hendon Hooker combination.
The Bottom Line
Teddy Bridgewater might be taking his talents to Tampa, not back to Detroit. And while many Lions fans may have hoped for a reunion with a familiar face, it now looks like Bridgewater will be competing against the Lions, not backing them up, in 2025.
Recent Comments