Teddy Bridgewater, Bucs Agree to Contract, QB Won't Coach Florida HS FB

After a late-season comeback with the Detroit Lions in 2024, Teddy Bridgewater is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a surprise move.

Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Bridgewater took a physical on Tuesday while visiting Bucs' training camp. ESPN's Adam Schefter added the veteran quarterback is expected to sign with the team.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Bridgewater agreed to a one-year deal after passing his physical.

Kyle Trask is still expected to remain the No. 2 quarterback behind Baker Mayfield, but Bridgewater gives them more depth with Michael Pratt unable to practice due to a back injury.

Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson of The Palm Beach Post reported Bridgewater informed the Miami Northwestern High School football team he won't be returning as head coach for the upcoming season to pursue his NFL return.

The Portal 305 first reported that Bridgewater will be returning to the NFL for the 2025 season.

This move will reunite Bridgewater and head coach Todd Bowles after they previously worked together during the 2018 season with the New York Jets.

Bridgewater retired from the NFL in February 2024 when he was hired by Miami Northwestern. He attended the school from 2008 to '10 before going to college at Louisville.

In his lone season as Bulls head coach, Bridgewater led the team to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A state title. He was suspended by the school last month for impermissible benefits after he admitted to paying for Uber rides for his players.

Despite the suspension, Bridgewater said he was "NOT GOING ANYWHERE" in a post on Facebook. The FHSAA is continuing to investigate the school's football program over the matter.

After Miami Northwestern's season ended, Bridgewater came out of retirement to sign with the Lions on Dec. 26. He was inactive for the final two games of the regular season before serving as the backup in Detroit's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.

Bridgewater played three snaps in the second quarter when Jared Goff was being evaluated for a concussion. The 32-year-old's last full season in the NFL was in 2023 when he also served as the Goff's backup in Detroit.

Tampa Bay will open preseason play on Saturday when it hosts the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium.