Lions reportedly made 'strong contract offer' to veteran QB

After starting 29 games for the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos between 2020-21, Bridgewater reverted to his standard backup role with the Miami Dolphins in 2022. He started two of his five appearances while filling in for Tua Tagovailoa, losing both of his starts while tossing four touchdowns vs. four interceptions.

While the 30-year-old is coming off his weakest statistical season in years, it’s no surprise that teams are starting to line up for his services. He went 16-18 as a starter between 2019 and 2021, completing 68% of his passes for 8,169 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. 

Bridgewater has established himself as the top backup QB in the league, and his willingness to wait for a starting opportunity should afford him a few more contracts before he calls it a career.

Bridgewater would be a natural fit in Detroit; he’s familiar with Lions coach Dan Campbell from when the two were in New Orleans. Starter Jared Goff has been relatively healthy in recent years, never missing more than three starts in a season. 

Still, the 2023 campaign will mark Goff’s age-29 season and his eighth professional campaign, and following a surprising 9-8 season that saw them barely miss the playoffs, it’s not a huge surprise that the Lions would want some top-end insurance for their starting QB.

The Lions re-signed Nate Sudfeld earlier this offseason, but the 29-year-old profiles more as a third-string quarterback considering just the 37 professional passing attempts on his resume.