After the Detroit Lions lost reserve quarterback Kyle Allen to free agency, signing a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, the team is bringing back seasoned quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. According to NFL Network, Bridgewater is re-signing with the Lions after spending a season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There are presently no contract details accessible.
Bridgewater, who will turn 34 in November, has not started an NFL game since 2022, but he is seen as a valuable locker room presence and mentor. When the Lions first signed Bridgewater in 2023, Lions coach Dan Campbell assigned Bridgewater with assisting in the mentorship of young Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams.
“That was something he performed very well for us (in New Orleans),” Campbell said in 2023. “He would come in the day before the game, take those young receivers out, go over the entire game plan, and show them what to look for. Here is the coverage, and here is what I’m thinking. How are you doing this? No, I do not like that. ‘ He led the scout units, was competitive, and distributed cards. It was fantastic, dude. He’s that kind of guy, an excellent teammate. He is a professional. He is a veteran. He handles his business. “
Williams’ career took off soon after.
How would Bridgewater handle the Lions’ offense if Jared Goff were injured? Well, there is not a lot of evidence to support either side. Bridgewater has only attempted 15 passes in the previous three seasons, including eight-for-15 for 62 yards in a one-game stint with Tampa last year.
Regardless, Bridgewater is a great person to have in the dressing area. In the meanwhile, the Lions can continue to seek for a younger backup quarterback with a long-term perspective.
