Lions seek veteran depth after Bridgewater’s second retirement

The Detroit Lions have placed backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on the reserve/retired list following his announcement that he is stepping away from the NFL. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the decision on Sunday, ending an 11-season career for the 33-year-old. The move creates an immediate need for depth behind starting quarterback Jared Goff as the team enters training camp.

Campbell described Bridgewater as an exceptional teammate, highlighting his preparation and character. The coach noted that Bridgewater’s performance during the 2019 season with the New Orleans Saints was a defining moment in his career. Campbell recalled how Bridgewater filled in for an injured Drew Brees, leading the Saints to five consecutive victories and an NFC South title.

Bridgewater’s career trajectory has been marked by significant resilience. Originally a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, his tenure as a franchise quarterback was derailed by a severe knee injury in 2016. He rebounded in New Orleans, where he reunited with Campbell, who was serving as the Saints’ tight ends coach at the time.

Following his success in New Orleans, Bridgewater signed a three-year, $63 million contract with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2021 before reuniting with Campbell on the Lions in 2023 on a one-year, $3 million deal. His path to this final retirement included a previous retirement at the end of the 2023 season, an unretirement to rejoin Detroit in 2024, a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025, and a return to Detroit this offseason.

Campbell indicated a preference for signing a veteran quarterback to fill the backup role, stating the team hopes to finalise a deal soon. Bridgewater finishes his career with 15,182 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and a 90.3 passer rating across 83 games.