Teddy Bridgewater Back in the NFL: Can He Help Tampa Bay’s Playoff Push?

By Jason Bolton August 06, 2025 09:33

Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has officially returned to the NFL, signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2025 season, injecting new energy and experience into a quarterback room eyeing a playoff push. At 32 years old, Bridgewater’s addition comes after a brief retirement and a late-season stint with the Detroit Lions, marking his presence as a key veteran backup behind starter Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

The Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht has long admired Bridgewater, revealing that Tampa Bay had their eye on him for years. “We had him in here in 2014 before the draft. There might've been a situation where we would've taken him if he fell a little further,” Licht said. “And a few years ago, he was what was behind door No. 2. So we talked about that today on the sideline. We ended up with Tom Brady, but now we have Teddy on the roster”. This historic interest illustrates how Bridgewater has been considered a vital asset for Tampa Bay's depth chart, especially with Baker Mayfield recovering from a hand contusion and backup Michael Pratt dealing with a back injury.

Bridgewater’s NFL journey has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Drafted 32nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, he carved out a solid career with stints at several teams including the Panthers, Saints, Broncos, Dolphins, Lions, and now the Buccaneers. His career stats showcase 15,120 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and a 66.4% completion rate, alongside a Pro Bowl selection with Minnesota in 2016. While a major knee injury in 2016 impacted his trajectory, Bridgewater has continuously proven his value both on the field and in leadership roles.

The Buccaneers see Bridgewater as more than just a backup quarterback; his intelligence, work ethic, and coaching experience specifically his recent success leading Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship make him a valuable mentor in the QB room. Licht praised Bridgewater, calling him “a pro pro” and highlighting his relationship with Head Coach Todd Bowles. The synergy between coach and QB could be a catalyst for Tampa Bay’s offensive cohesion.

While Bridgewater is unlikely to unseat Mayfield as the starter outright, his presence offers insurance in a highly physical sport and a strategic advantage for Tampa Bay. Mayfield himself has returned to practice post-injury, and Bridgewater’s role will be to stabilize the offense if needed and help pace the rotation to extend Mayfield’s effectiveness through the season.

Off the field, Bridgewater has shown commitment and character, even amid controversy. Last year, he was suspended from coaching at Miami Northwestern for providing impermissible benefits to players support he said was borne out of love and mentorship. This community-minded approach could translate to positive locker room influence on the Buccaneers.

Statistically, the Buccaneers have struggled with quarterback consistency in recent seasons, despite boasting playoff-caliber talent. Having Bridgewater adds depth and experience to an offense aiming to surpass its current 5-4 win-loss mark (as of early August 2025). Stability at quarterback is paramount for Tampa Bay to maintain their competitiveness in the NFC South, one of the most tightly contested divisions in the NFL.

Teddy Bridgewater’s return to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offers both a stabilizing veteran presence and a valuable mentor role during a critical phase of the season. His rich NFL experience, coaching background, and professional demeanor make him a fitting complement to Baker Mayfield as the Buccaneers strive for a deep playoff run. While Bridgewater’s on-field contributions may be limited to spot duty, his impact behind the scenes could be pivotal for Tampa Bay’s success in 2025.