Teddy Bridgewater is once again making an exit from the Detroit Lions, and this departure might mark the end of his NFL career.
The seasoned quarterback, now 33, rejoined the Lions roster in March as a free agent after his stint with the Buccaneers last season. However, as announced by head coach Dan Campbell on Sunday, Bridgewater is stepping away from the team, and according to reports from NFL Network, retirement is a strong possibility.
“I’ve known Teddy for a long time, and he’s an incredible human being,” Campbell expressed to the press. “Not only has he been an outstanding player, but his character, teamwork, and dedication are admirable. He has always approached the game intellectually and played with immense heart. He will certainly be missed.”
With Bridgewater’s departure, undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer steps into the role as backup to Jared Goff. Despite this, Campbell indicated that the Lions might bring in a veteran quarterback as early as Monday.
Bridgewater initially joined the Lions in 2023 and opted for retirement at the season’s end, moving on to become a high school coach in Miami.
He would re-sign with the Lions in 2024 the day after Christmas and made a brief appearance during a playoff game.
A first-round pick by the Vikings in 2014, Bridgewater was a Pro Bowler in his second season but suffered a brutal leg injury during camp in 2016 and became a journeyman, which included a brief preseason run with the Jets in 2018 before he was traded to the Saints.
New Orleans is where Bridgewater met Campbell, who at the time was the team’s tight ends coach.
Bridgewater famously led the Saints to five straight wins during the 2019 season while Drew Brees was out with a thumb injury.
Bridgewater was the starter for the Panthers in 2020 and the Broncos in 2021.
He became the Dolphins’ backup in 2022 before joining the Lions in 2023.
He completed 8 of 15 passes for 62 yards across four appearances for the Buccaneers last season.
If Bridgewater’s career is done, he finishes with 15,182 yards passing, 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.