Buccaneers Add Bridgewater to QB Room with One-Year Deal

Tampa Bay signs veteran Teddy Bridgewater to bolster quarterback depth.

Lead Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year contract on Sunday, reuniting the former NFL starter with the franchise ahead of the 2025 season.

Nut Graf Bridgewater, 32, returns to the NFL after leading Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship and serving as the school’s head coach last season. His experience provides the Buccaneers with proven depth behind starter Baker Mayfield.

Contract Details

  • One-year deal for the 2025 season.
  • Bridgewater will compete for the backup role and mentor younger quarterbacks.

Career Background

  • First-round pick by Minnesota in 2014; earned a Pro Bowl in 2015.
  • Overcame a catastrophic knee injury in 2016 to start for New Orleans, Carolina and Denver.
  • Retired in 2023 to coach his alma mater, guiding Miami Northwestern to a Class 3A state title.
  • Suspended by Miami Northwestern in September for providing player benefits but maintained NFL ambitions.

Impact on Buccaneers

  • Adds a seasoned leader to Tampa Bay’s quarterback room under new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
  • Brings valuable experience in run-pass decision making and locker-room leadership.
  • Provides insurance against injury to Mayfield and supports young backups in LaFleur’s offense.

Subhead: Veteran Presence for LaFleur’s Offense Bridgewater’s skill set-accuracy on short and intermediate throws, quick decision-making and poise under pressure-aligns with LaFleur’s timing-based scheme. His mentorship is expected to accelerate the development of Tampa Bay’s younger quarterbacks.

Subhead: Depth Chart Competition With Mayfield entrenched as the starter, Bridgewater will vie with veteran Nick Mullens and rookie third-round pick JJ McCarthy for the No. 2 job. His familiarity with multiple systems gives him an edge in the competition.

Subhead: Looking Ahead Bridgewater’s signing underscores Tampa Bay’s commitment to a balanced roster that blends youth with experience. As training camp opens next month in Tampa, all eyes will be on how quickly he acclimates and the role he carves out in the Buccaneers’ title pursuit.