Teddy Bridgewater is poised to make his return to the NFL, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
General manager Jason Licht confirmed that Bridgewater is visiting the team, with plans in place to sign him. This move marks a significant step for the 32-year-old quarterback, who will be joining his eighth team in just 12 seasons.
Bridgewater's recent journey included coaching his former high school in Miami to a Class 3A state championship last fall. He returned to the NFL in late December, stepping in as a backup for Jared Goff with the playoff-bound Lions.
His addition would bolster the Buccaneers' quarterback lineup, providing essential support behind Baker Mayfield, who recently returned to practice after dealing with a hand contusion. The team also has Kyle Trask, a second-round pick from 2021, who has seen limited action with just 11 passes over four seasons.
Last month, Bridgewater faced suspension from coaching at Miami Northwestern High School due to providing players with financial benefits, which he claims he disclosed to the school. "I'm not going anywhere," he stated in a social media post. "And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem."
Originally drafted in the first round by Minnesota in 2014, Bridgewater holds a starting record of 33-32 and earned a Pro Bowl selection after leading the Vikings to an 11-5 finish in his second season. His career has included stints with the Jets, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, and Dolphins.
Bridgewater's statistics reflect his experience: he has completed 66.4% of his passes for 15,120 yards, accumulating 75 touchdowns against 47 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 90.5.
Notably, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was an assistant coach in Miami during Bridgewater's tenure as Tua Tagovailoa's backup in 2022. Additionally, defensive line coach Charlie Strong previously served as Bridgewater's head coach at Louisville.
The Buccaneers' quarterback room also features Michael Pratt and Connor Bazelak. Pratt, a seventh-round pick from Tulane by Green Bay in 2024, is currently on the practice squad but has been sidelined due to a back injury. Bazelak joined as an undrafted free agent from Bowling Green, where he played two of his six college seasons.
