The Detroit Lions are bringing back QB Teddy Bridgewater

On By Littum

The Detroit Lions have signed a familiar quarterback on the playoff roster.

Former Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs along Detroit Lionswhich coach Dan Campbell confirmed Thursday. NFL Network first reported the impending transaction.

Bridgewater joined Detroit as the backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff in 2023, but did not appear in any action. He announced his retirement during the 2023 season to pursue a career in high school coaching at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern.

Campbell said he had been in contact with Bridgewater for a while and felt a move like this could always be possible this season.

“I’ve been in contact with Teddy and it was something that was always potentially a possibility,” Campbell said. “And we all know what Teddy has done down there and given back to his community.”

Bridgewater spent the 2024 season with Miami Northwestern, leading the school to a Florida State championship in his first year. Soon after, Bridgewater, 32, announced he wanted to return to the NFL as a backup.

“Just to be able to add somebody here that has experience,” Campbell said. “He’s staying in shape, he’s been throwing. Just (want to) get him worked back in here a little bit.

“It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence. Someone who’s great for our team. He’s great for the position.”

Bridgewater knows the Lions

Bridgewater did not throw a pass during his time in Detroit and knelt down at the end of a game before starting practice. He earned a reputation as a valuable veteran mentor to young players on the offense, such as wide receiver Jameson Williams, and also helped prepare Goff during the week.

“It’s great for our team,” Campbell said. “I think everyone in that dressing room respects Teddy and what he stands for and the type of person he is, but also the type of player.

“When he gets his sea legs back under him, he’ll test those guys a little bit defensively, which is good in practice.”

Quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell added, “I think I just said it really, he’s a great resource for Jared, the other young quarterbacks Jake (Fromm) and Hendon (Hooker) and he’s a professional. He works hard , he prepares like he’s the starter and that’s what you want and he’s just great to be around.

Bridgewater is a nine-year NFL veteran with 65 career starts dating back to 2014. He was drafted as the quarterback of the future for the Minnesota Vikings, but suffered a knee injury during training camp in 2016 that changed his trajectory. career.

Bridgewater returned as a backup late in the 2017 season and has spent six years with six different NFL teams: the New York Jets, who traded him before he ever played in a game; Saints, Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and Lions.

Bridgewater spent time with Lions coaching staff members Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn and Kelvin Sheppard during his time in New Orleans, and those longtime connections helped him land in Detroit in 2023.

Back from high school job

In his first year as a high school coach, Bridgewater went 12-2 and won the Florida 3A state championship 41-0. He is expected to join the quarterback room behind Goff and alongside backups Hendon Hooker and Jake Fromm.

Campbell said the move shouldn’t be an indictment of Hooker, who has played sparingly during blowouts as Goff’s backup this season. He said bringing back one of Hooker’s mentors was additive to both the locker room and the position group.

“(Hooker) has improved, he really has,” Campbell said. “We feel like every week he’s gotten a little bit better and that doesn’t mean Hooker is out. That’s not what it means. If it comes to that, Hooker is going to play for us, but Teddy will probably too.

“So I understand what it looks like, but it’s just a different world that we’re getting ready to go into. And we felt like this is the right thing to do, especially with somebody that I has tremendous confidence in and for. He understands our offense well, the coaches know him well, and he brings a certain level of comfort to us.”

The Lions have already clinched a playoff spot at 13-2 and are battling the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

“Glad to see Teddy,” said Brunell. He is amazing. He helped us tremendously, tremendously last year. Great teammate, professional. Experienced.

“You name it. Great resource for Jared and the other quarterbacks. I think he’s in the building somewhere. I can’t wait to see him.”

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for Detroit Free Press. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22and email him at [email protected].