Lions backup QB Teddy Bridgewater leaving team, Dan Campbell says

Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from the team, coach Dan Campbell told reporters Sunday afternoon. The Lions placed Bridgewater on the reserved/retired list following Campbell’s comments.

“I’ve known Teddy a long time,” Campbell said. “Man, the human being is unbelievable. Certainly the player. Everything that he’s about, the type of teammate he is, the way he prepares, always played the game up here and has a huge heart. He’s gonna be missed.”

Bridgewater, 33, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. He’s had stints with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lions in his career, and was on his third stint with Detroit.

If this is it for Bridgewater, Campbell will always remember him for keeping the Saints afloat during the 2019 season. Drew Brees missed five games with a torn UCL in his throwing hand that year. Campbell, an assistant head coach and TEs coach for the Saints then, watched Bridgewater step in and lead the team to a 5-0 record. He earned Campbell’s trust.

The Lions signed Bridgewater ahead of the 2023 season, where he was a resource for Jared Goff and a mentor to young players like Jameson Williams. After retiring in 2024 to coach high school football in Miami, Bridgewater returned to the NFL for a late-season stint with the Lions. He briefly filled in for Goff in Detroit’s playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, leading the team to a scoring drive in his lone series.

Bridgewater signed with the team again in 2026 and was expected to help fill a leadership void. However, it appears he’s had a change of heart, and might’ve played his last NFL down barring another comeback attempt.

Bridgewater was one of three QBs in camp with the Lions. They are now down to two: Goff and rookie UDFA Luke Altmyer. Expect the Lions to add a veteran over the next few days.