Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht confirmed on Tuesday the team’s plans to sign veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The announcement comes amid growing speculation about Bridgewater’s potential return to the NFL, following his recent suspension from a high school coaching role. Licht shared details of the discussions with reporters, outlining the team’s intention to bring Bridgewater back to the Buccaneers’ roster, though no official deal has been finalized.
Bridgewater, 32, previously played 10 seasons in the NFL, with most of his career spent with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins. After announcing his retirement in 2023, he officially stepped down in early 2024 to pursue a coaching position at his former high school in Miami. His efforts led to a state championship win in the 3A class the previous year.
However, Bridgewater’s return to the sport has been marked by controversy. Last month, he was suspended from coaching his former high school team for providing players with financial benefits. He questioned the suspension in a Facebook post, asserting that he “self-reported” and claimed, “I’m not going anywhere.” Despite the allegations, the Buccaneers have expressed interest in leveraging Bridgewater’s experience to strengthen the team’s quarterback room, with general manager Licht emphasizing his value in supporting Baker Mayfield and maintaining competition within the unit.
Bridgewater’s decision to rejoin the NFL in December 2024 came after a brief retirement to coach, demonstrating his commitment to both playing and coaching. His NFL career includes 33 wins and 32 losses as a starter, with over 15,120 yards, 75 touchdowns, 47 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. Now, with the Buccaneers looking to add another experienced option to the roster, Bridgewater’s potential return could impact the team’s quarterback depth and dynamics. Yet, the exact role he will play—whether as a backup to Kyle Trask or as a potential starter—remains to be clarified by the Buccaneers.