Journeyman QB set to join seventh NFL team

Teddy Bridgewater has lined up another NFL opportunity. The once-retired quarterback is taking part in a visit with the Buccaneers Tuesday, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a signing is expected in this case.

Bridgewater retired after the 2023 season but later made it clear he was interested in a return. Late in the regular season, the 32-year-old reunited with the Lions and handled backup quarterback duties the rest of the way. Bridgewater recently coached Miami Northwestern High School to begin his post-playing days, but his tenure there ended after only one season due to a suspension over using his own money to pay for food, rides, and other accommodations for his players.

Tampa Bay is not one of the six teams Bridgewater has played for to date in the NFL, but this agreement will still allow him to work with a few familiar faces. Bucs defensive line coach Charlie Strong spent time with Bridgewater at Louisville, and offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was on the Dolphins’ staff when the former first-rounder was in Miami. Provided Bridgewater officially signs in the near future, he will be in a position to see preseason game time upon returning (again) to the NFL.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht noted (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times) that Bridgewater’s experience is a key factor in the decision to add him. Former second-rounder Kyle Trask has attempted just 11 regular-season passes in three years while backing up Tom Brady as a rookie and Baker Mayfield for the past two campaigns. Trask is currently dealing with a back injury, per Schefter. Mayfield, meanwhile, recently suffered a contusion in his throwing hand.

Bridgewater will thus provide the Buccaneers with a healthy option under center through the remainder of training camp, although Stroud notes Mayfield is set to return to practice this week. The former No. 1 pick is, of course, assured of his QB1 gig when healthy over the final two years of his contract. An extension next spring would also come as no surprise.

A veteran of 65 starts, Bridgewater’s most recent run atop a depth chart came in 2021 with the Broncos. He will not be counted on to run Tampa Bay’s offense for an extended period, barring a Mayfield injury, but if Tuesday’s workout goes as planned, another backup opportunity will be in play.