1:05pm: The deal is a go. Bridgewater is joining the Bucs on a one-year agreement, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The formerly retired quarterback passed his physical and is joining Mayfield and Trask in Tampa.
10:50am: When speaking to the media, Licht confirmed Tampa’s intention of finalizing a Bridgewater deal. He added (via Greg Auman of Fox Sports) that Trask is still seen as the backup at this point, but that could of course change depending on how the coming weeks play out.
8:39am: Teddy Bridgewater has lined up another NFL opportunity. The once-retired quarterback is taking part in a visit with the Buccaneers today, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a signing is expected in this case. 
Bridgewater retired after the 2023 season but later made it clear he was interested in a return. Late in the regular season, the 32-year-old reunited with the Lions and handled backup quarterback duties the rest of the way. Bridgewater recently coached Miami Northwestern high school to begin his post-playing days, but his tenure there ended after only one season due to a suspension over using his own money to pay for food, rides and other accommodations for his players.
Tampa Bay is not one of the six teams Bridgewater has played for to date in the NFL, but this agreement will still allow him to work with a few familiar faces. Bucs defensive line coach Charlie Strong spent time with Bridgewater at Louisville, and offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was on the Dolphins’ staff when the former first-rounder was in Miami. Provided Bridgewater officially signs in the near future, he will be in position to see preseason game time upon returning (again) to the NFL.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht noted (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times) Bridgewater’s experience is a key factor in the decision to add him. Former second-rounder Kyle Trask has attempted just 11 regular season passes in three years while backing up Tom Brady as a rookie and Baker Mayfield for the past two campaigns. Trask is currently dealing with a back injury, per Schefter. Mayfield, meanwhile, recently suffered a contusion in his throwing hand.
Bridgewater will thus provide the Buccaneers with a healthy option under center through the remainder of training camp, although Stroud notes Mayfield is set to return to practice this week. The former No. 1 pick is of course assured of his QB1 gig when healthy over the final two years of his contract. An extension next spring would also come as no surprise.
A veteran of 65 starts, Bridgewater’s most recent run atop a depth chart came in 2021 with the Broncos. He will not be counted on to run Tampa Bay’s offense for an extended period barring a Mayfield injury, but if today’s workout goes as planned another backup opportunity will be in play.
“but his tenure there ended after only one season due to a suspension over using his own money to pay for food, rides and other accommodations for his players.”
legendary aura farmer
Thats ridiculous to be suspended for being a good guy
Agreed. It’s what Tim Tebow did for the other players on his minor league teams when he was in the Mets’ organization. I guess it’s different when you’re in a position of “authority” like an HS coach but it still sounds ridiculous.
Pro and high school different things
How dare he hook those under privileged children up 😠 😡
Arrrrrgh!!!
@sufferforguardians. Im sure coaches wives do that all time. In fact I remember them have rotating snack days in little league. The whole thing is stupid.
Only guys played on the football team. That’s when they got in trouble. If he would’ve offered it every student in the school then he would’ve been OK. They got quite a lawsuit coming over this stuff by the kids are suing. They want money that the football players got.
How does he keep getting signed?
He’s a decent quality backup. He can win you a game or two as a starter. And he seems to be well like in the league because he’s always prepared.
Because he’s still one of the 50 or so best quarterbacks in the world and people like him as a person?
What has he done to justify being of the best 50 QB’s in the league?
What veteran(s) should be getting signed ahead of him? Here are the QBs that were on a 2024 roster without a 2025 deal (per OTC): Carson Wentz, CJ Beathard, Jeff Driskel, Tyler Huntley, Ian Book, Jaren Hall and Teddy Bridgewater.
Huntley signed with Cleveland on Monday (8/4). Driskel signed with Washington back in April and is competing to be their QB2.
I’d say it’s not a controversial statement. Go look at the list of backup quarterbacks around the league. How many have justified being called a top 50 QB nearly as much? He’s had a ten year career as a decent starter and good backup. Many second stringers are either veterans who’ve played worse or inexperienced players who’ve shown nothing. The team with Hendon Hooker picked up Bridgewater for the home stretch. The team with Kyle Trask picked up Bridgewater now.
Would be very interested to see a list of 50 guys currently better than Bridgewater now. The Jets have Adrian Martinez for example lol
The Titans currently have Brandon Allen & Tim Boyle behind the untested first overall pick Cam Ward. They might have to call Ryan Tannehill if things go sideways.
Just gotta back Penix up next year & then he gets his NFC South competition badge.
Teddy is going to be the next Josh Johnson 🙂
I guess they beat the Browns to him.
@rct. I sense the sarcasm, but also wouldn’t surprise me if they did they like to hoard QBs for picks until they release them because teams know its going to happen at some point.
I bet he turned down the Browns 🤣
Teddy Bridgewater is the man…and apparently a martyr as a HS HC.
This is a good pick. I would be fine with Teddy playing if Baker did get an injury, he probably never had this many weapons.
Teddy Two Gloves: The Legend Comtinues
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