Teddy Bridgewater has unique goal in mind for return to Lions

Journeyman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater isn't riding off into the sunset of retirement just yet, as he recently rejoined the Detroit Lions for his third stint with that organization. 

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Bridgewater revealed a unique goal he has regarding what he can offer the Lions through at least January 2027. 

Teddy Bridgewater wants to help certain Lions teammates

"That fire to just compete and go out there and just excel and help others as well," Bridgewater explained, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' website. "I've always been that type of player who just wants to see others have success, and I always felt like as a quarterback we play a huge role in others' success. If I can just go out there and help a sixth-round wide receiver have a four or five-year career or an undrafted free agent get four or five years out of the league from just competing with him throughout the spring, preseason, training camp, if we get reps in the regular season, that's just something that I look forward to doing."

Of course, the Lions hope that Bridgewater won't need to serve as a replacement for starter and 2024 MVP finalist Jared Goff once the games begin to matter come September. That said, the two aren't strangers to each other. Bridgewater was Goff's backup during the 2023 season, and Bridgewater re-signed with the Lions late in the 2024 campaign for the club's playoff run. 

In January 2025, Bridgewater completed his only postseason pass as a member of the Lions. According to Twentyman, Bridgewater "has a great relationship with Goff." 

Teddy Bridgewater to be more than just a backup QB for 2026 Lions?

Bridgewater, 33, has worked as a head coach at the high-school level. The 2014 first-round draft pick now hopes all that he has experienced over the years will prove to be beneficial for a Lions team that missed the playoffs this past season. 

"Just having that veteran presence, whether it's a starter or backup or third-string guy, is so valuable for a team," Bridgewater added. "Especially when you have guys who have a ton of playing experience. It's an extra coach in the room. An extra pair of eyes for the starter."

That's all well and good, but Bridgewater hasn't made a meaningful NFL start since the 2022 season. If that streak comes to an end this fall, it likely will mean that the Lions have encountered some sort of setback.