Teddy Bridgewater Set To Make Buccaneers Debut vs Pittsburgh

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year contract. Bridgewater joined the team after stepping down as head coach at Miami Northwestern High School, where he was suspended for providing his players with benefits such as Uber rides, meals and recovery services using his own funds.

This isn’t Bridgewater’s first stint in the spotlight; he’s a former first-round pick who has played for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. Bridgewater brings valuable experience to the Buccaneers, backing up starter Baker Mayfield alongside Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak.

Bridgewater is set to make his Buccaneers debut this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, after sitting out the team’s first preseason game as he got familiar with the playbook. Head Coach Todd Bowles expects Bridgewater to see action in the game, giving fans their first look at him in a Tampa Bay uniform. Bridgewater’s experience and pocket presence will be valuable assets for the Buccaneers, especially with Baker Mayfield not playing.

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Bridgewater is set to enter his 11th NFL season, having played for six teams previously, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be his seventh team. The veteran quarterback was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft and has had a journeyman career, mostly serving as a backup, including his recent stint backing up Jared Goff with the Detroit Lions from 2023-2024.

The Buccaneers’ signing of Bridgewater was a savvy move, especially after Michael Pratt’s injury, as it bolsters the quarterback depth behind Baker Mayfield. While it’s unclear if a backup quarterback battle will ensue with Kyle Trask, the cohesion within the quarterback room suggests that either way, the team will be in good hands. The chemistry and camaraderie among the quarterbacks will likely benefit the team, regardless of who ultimately lands the backup spot.

It has been over a year since Bridgewater saw any meaningful action on the NFL gridiron, so it will be interesting to see what he looks like when he takes the field.

Bridgewater’s return to the field will be closely watched, given his over-year hiatus from meaningful NFL action. With Baker Mayfield sidelined, Kyle Trask is poised to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Bridgewater will likely join him in a supporting role. While Trask will probably see most of the playing time with the starters, Bridgewater’s performance with the backups will be crucial in showcasing his abilities and competing for a roster spot.