Buccaneers QB Teddy Bridgewater Vying for a Backup Spot

Teddy Bridgewater delivered a solid performance in the Buccaneers’ preseason win against the Steelers, going 6-for-11 with 85 yards and two touchdowns.

However, his mind is elsewhere – he’d rather be coaching his high school team in Miami, Northwestern High, where he’s currently suspended from coaching due to a dispute over providing financial benefits to players. Bridgewater’s heart remains with his high school team, but for now, he’s helping the Buccaneers as they evaluate quarterbacks, competing with Kyle Trask for the backup role behind Baker Mayfield.

Bridgewater had envisioned coaching his alma mater, Northwestern High, through the season and then exploring NFL opportunities. Last year, he followed this route, leading Northwestern to a Florida Class 3A championship before joining the Detroit Lions in December as Jared Goff’s backup for the playoffs.

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Bridgewater’s plans to coach Northwestern High through the season were derailed when the Florida High School Athletic Association suspended him, citing potential rule violations. Bridgewater, who doesn’t draw a salary as the team’s head coach, had covered expenses like food and transportation for players, which the Association may consider impermissible benefits. With the investigation ongoing and its outcome uncertain, Bridgewater joined the Buccaneers, competing with Kyle Trask for the backup quarterback role behind Baker Mayfield.

“It’s very upsetting,” Said Bridgewater following a joint practice with Pittsburgh.“Just knowing that you have good intentions and those good intentions will be turned against you and used against you. I’m hoping to get it resolved because those kids have a special place in my heart. And I’d love to finish what I started with them.”

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Kyle Trask, drafted by the Buccaneers in the second round of 2021, has been part of the team for a few years. However, with Tom Brady and later Baker Mayfield as starting quarterbacks, Trask’s regular-season playing time has been limited to just 11 pass attempts. In contrast, Teddy Bridgewater, with 65 career starts, would provide a more experienced and reliable backup option if Mayfield gets injured.

When asked what he was told about the Bridgewater signing, Trask said, “I never got a direct answer.”  Via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Florida product was not nearly as sharp as Bridgewater on Saturday, completing just three of 10 passes for 19 yards in the Pittsburgh contest.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles didn’t name a clear starter after the game, stating that Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans isn’t mentioned so assuming you are talking about the QBs Trask, Bridgewater, and rookie Connor Bazelak will all see action in the team’s preseason finale next week. A decision on the quarterback situation will come later.

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Bridgewater, who will turn 33 in November, suggested he is not necessarily pushing for the QB gig.

“I’m just here to help this team in every way possible.” Bridgewater stated following the game via the Associated Press. “I’ve been a humble servant throughout my career, playing and coaching.”

Bridgewater would like to continue the pattern he set in 2024, coaching high schoolers in the fall and potentially joining an NFL team late in the season. He told teams that reached out to him, “I’m up for it, check back when Northwestern is done.