Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater officially signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday after meeting with the team and passing his physical. The 32-year-old had last played for the Detroit Lions in December 2024, coming out of retirement to back up Jared Goff during the postseason.
Though he didn’t take a snap in the regular season, he completed a short 3-yard pass in the divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders. His addition comes as Tampa Bay looks to bolster its quarterback depth ahead of the season.
Bridgewater Joins Buccaneers Amid Injuries, Years After Nearly Signing as Brady’s Backup
Bridgewater’s arrival is timely for the Buccaneers, who have been dealing with injuries at the quarterback position. Rookie Michael Pratt is currently out with a back issue, and starter Baker Mayfield had just returned to practice after missing time due to a hand contusion.
With only two healthy quarterbacks available last week, Tampa Bay urgently needed a seasoned backup to stabilize the situation. Bridgewater’s wealth of experience makes him an ideal candidate to step in and support the quarterback room.
Teddy Bridgewater (NFL)General manager Jason Licht confirmed Bridgewater’s participation in practice and acknowledged that the team had once considered him during their 2020 search for a quarterback. Bridgewater was the “Door No. 2” option behind Tom Brady during that offseason.
Licht noted the irony of finally signing Bridgewater years later, humorously stating, “You can have everything, just not all at once.” This was the first time Licht publicly revealed who the team’s backup plan to Brady was at that time.
Bridgewater Brings Veteran Leadership, Locker Room Presence, and Familiar Connections to Tampa Bay
Head coach Todd Bowles praised Bridgewater as a “pro’s pro” and emphasized the need for a veteran presence in the quarterback room. While Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak are still developing, Bridgewater brings a decade of NFL experience and leadership.
The team is still deciding whether to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster or use the practice squad, but for now, Trask remains Mayfield’s primary backup. Bridgewater’s arrival adds insurance and mentorship to a young, evolving group.
Bridgewater has played for six NFL teams, earned a Pro Bowl nod with the Vikings, and accumulated over 15,000 passing yards. After retiring in 2024, he coached Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship, though he was recently suspended for self-reporting giving players Uber rides and meals.
Despite the controversy, his connection to Bucs staff like Charlie Strong and Josh Grizzard and his former high school teammate Lavonte David makes his signing a meaningful reunion. Teammates praise him as a selfless leader and a strong locker room presence.
