Teddy Bridgewater: Everything you need to know

Bridgewater has agreed to terms on a contract with the Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Bridgewater previously spent time in Detroit as the backup to Jared Goff in 2023, and he returned to the NFL in 2025 to provide depth behind Baker Mayfield with the Buccaneers. Last year, across four regular-season appearances, Bridgewater completed eight of 15 pass attempts for 62 yards without a touchdown. He also carried the ball three times for four yards. The 33-year-old signal-caller is as experienced as backups come and will provide the Lions with stability in the event that Goff misses any time in 2026.

Bridgewater said Monday that he wants to continue playing in the NFL next season, but has yet to discuss with the Buccaneers about a potential return, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. Bridgewater is set to become a free agent for this upcoming offseason. The 33-year-old appeared in four games for Tampa Bay in 2025, only getting quarterback reps in Week 12 against the Rams when Baker Mayfield exited with a shoulder injury. Bridgewater completed eight out of 15 passes for 62 yards, and rushed three times for four yards in his lone opportunity. Should the tenth-year pro reach free agency, he can potentially be a compelling backup for teams in need.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Bridgewater will get most of the starting reps at practice in preparation for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, but that Baker Mayfield (AC joint) has not yet been ruled out, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. Bridgewater replaced Mayfield at halftime during Tampa Bay's 34-7 loss to the Rams in Week 12, at which point the game was already well out of contention. As a result Bridgewater completed just eight of 15 passes for 62 yards versus a dominant Los Angeles defense, but the veteran signal-caller will carry more preparation into Sunday's home game against Arizona if he's called upon to start. Mayfield is dealing with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will be reevaluated closer to the end of the practice week, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.