Bridgewater steps away from Lions as Campbell seeks veteran depth
Teddy Bridgewater has been placed on the reserve/retired list, with undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer assuming the backup role behind Jared Goff as the Lions prepare to add experienced depth.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed on Sunday that veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has stepped away from the team and been officially placed on the reserve/retired list. The announcement comes amid training camp, with Campbell indicating that the retirement is likely final, though he acknowledged that only Bridgewater can definitively confirm the permanence of the decision.
Bridgewater, 33, had signed as an unrestricted free agent in March to serve as the backup to starting quarterback Jared Goff for his third stint with the organisation. The move was viewed as a strategic addition of a respected leader and mentor within the locker room. However, Bridgewater missed the last two practices for an undisclosed reason prior to the announcement.
Campbell highlighted Bridgewater’s character as a primary factor in the departure, noting that the quarterback’s biggest concern was not wanting to let the team down. "That's the type of guy he is," Campbell said, describing Bridgewater as a player who always played the game at a high level with a "huge heart." The coach expressed that Bridgewater meant a lot to the franchise and that the current situation reflects where he felt he needed to be.
With Bridgewater’s departure, undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer will assume the QB2 role behind Goff. Campbell praised Altmyer’s development, stating that the rookie is growing and improving with the reps he has received. Altmyer is expected to take heavy snaps during the Lions’ preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.
The Lions plan to sign another quarterback soon to provide additional depth, with Campbell expressing a preference for a veteran addition. "We like Luke, but we are gonna add somebody and we'd like to add a veteran QB," Campbell said, noting that the team is hoping to finalise a deal soon. Bridgewater’s career statistics include 15,182 passing yards and 75 touchdowns across 83 games, having entered the league as a first-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014.
