The Bucs are once again in the market for a backup quarterback, but one notable name is off the market.

Veteran journeyman signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater, who came out of retirement during training camp last year to sign with Tampa Bay, will be staying in the league in 2026. Instead of returning with the team, he will be heading back to Detroit to sign with the Lions, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday evening.

Teddy Bridgewater Making Latest Stop In Well-Traveled NFL Career

Teddy Bridgewater’s NFL career is one marked by resilience in finding a way to carve out more than a decade bouncing around to different teams.

Originally a first-round pick by the Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Bridgewater quickly established himself, as he led Minnesota to an 11–5 record and a playoff appearance while earning a Pro Bowl selection in just his second season.

Known for his accuracy, calm demeanor, and leadership qualities, Bridgewater looked like a long-term answer for them before suffering a devastating non-contact knee injury during the 2016 preseason that threatened his ability to play football again.

Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater – Photo by: IMAGN Images

After an extensive recovery, Bridgewater worked his way back and became a reliable quarterback who went on to start games for the Jets, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, and Dolphins, and finishing his first run in the league with the Lions.

While he often served as a backup or bridge starter (pun intended), he became widely respected for his ability to step into games, manage offenses efficiently, and provide leadership in quarterback rooms across the league. It was after his brief stint in Detroit that he decided to retire and pursue coaching.

Bridgewater returned to his hometown in Miami and became the head coach at Miami Northwestern High School. His goal was to give back to the same community that helped shape his path to the NFL. However, he was later suspended after reports surfaced that he had used his own money to help support players and the program, actions that violated high school athletic association rules. While the situation drew scrutiny from governing bodies, it also highlighted Bridgewater’s commitment to helping young players succeed both on and off the field.

The Florida senate passed the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” last month that gave credence to the thought he would return to coaching.

Instead, he will stick around at least one more year backing up Jared Goff in the Motor City, offering stability at the position after the team lost Kyle Allen to the Bills on the first day of NFL free agency.

Recapping Teddy Bridgewater’s Time As Bucs Backup QB

After being suspended as a high school football coach, Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement to sign with the Bucs in the middle of training camp last July.

Bucs QB Teddy Bridgewater and GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

While Tampa Bay kept the backup competition under wraps, Bridgewater eventually supplanted Kyle Trask. Quickly acclimating to the offense, he provided former offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and the coaching staff with a trusted presence in the quarterback room.

He appeared in four games last season, receiving his most extended action when Baker Mayfield came out of the Rams game due to injury. In total, Bridgewater completed eight of 15 passes for 62 yards during the regular season. The pass he will be remembered most for in red and pewter was a ball he threw to wide receiver Jalen McMillan in the preseason against the Steelers.

Lobbing it up to McMillan, it led to him taking a scary hit where he flipped in the air and suffered a severe neck injury that kept him out for most of the season and led to concerns about his own playing future.

Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photo by: USA Today

Bridgewater has appeared in 83 games with a 33-32 record as a starter. He has thrown for 15,182 passing yards and 75 touchdowns to 47 interceptions while completing roughly two-thirds of his passes. Though the injury he suffered early in his career played a significant part in preventing him from maintaining a long-term starting role, he remains one of the league’s most dependable veteran options.

His one-year stint with the Bucs was a short chapter, but one that got him back in the NFL. Whether as a starter, backup, mentor, or coach, Teddy Bridgewater is well-respected for the way he approaches the game and the impact he has on those around him.

That will continue in his next chapter with the Lions.