Report: Buccaneers to Sign QB Teddy Bridgewater

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing a deal with veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who will visit the team for a physical before signing a contract, according to reports from FOX Sports’ Greg Auman and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move comes as the Buccaneers’ quarterback room deals with injuries, with Baker Mayfield nursing a bruised hand and Michael Pratt out with a lower back injury.

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter,

“Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per sources. The Buccaneers will be Bridgewater’s 8th NFL team, and his third NFC South team to go along with the Saints and Panthers.”

The Buccaneers may be looking to sign a veteran quarterback to bolster their depth chart, particularly with Michael Pratt sidelined due to a lower back injury. Baker Mayfield, who missed the last two practices with a bruised hand, is expected to return this week. However, the team’s thin quarterback depth, with Kyle Trask as the primary backup, might necessitate adding a seasoned quarterback to provide quality reps for the second and third teams.

This potential move would help ensure the team’s quarterback room remains competitive and prepared for upcoming games, including their preseason matchups against the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Buffalo Bills.

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A notable connection exists between Teddy Bridgewater and the current Buccaneers staff. In 2022, Bridgewater started two games for the Miami Dolphins, throwing four touchdowns and four interceptions. Although the team lost both games, current Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was a quality control assistant with the Dolphins at the time. This prior experience gives Grizzard valuable insight into Bridgewater’s preparation and playing style, potentially making him a more attractive fit for the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers seem to think Teddy Bridgewater can be a valuable addition to their team, both during training camp and potentially for the rest of the season. Although Bridgewater hasn’t signed with the team yet, his potential arrival could mean the end of Connor Bazelak’s time with the Buccaneers. Bazelak has been part of the team since rookie minicamp and has been filling in for Michael Pratt while he’s out with an injury. According to the current Buccaneers depth chart, Connor Bazelak is listed as the fourth-string quarterback behind Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask and Michael Pratt.

If Bridgewater does sign with the team, it’s likely he would take over as the third-string quarterback, given his experience and skill level. This would likely result in Connor Bazelak being released or reassigned to a practice squad role.