News broke the morning of August 5 that this quarterback would be signing with his 8th NFL team. He had a short-lived tenure on the Carolina Panthers in 2020 despite signing a three-year, $63 million deal.
It’s a deal that didn’t come without controversy. The decision upset Cam Newton, who was already on his way out. With $40M guaranteed, the Panthers quickly changed course by trading him in 2021.
Teddy Bridgewater Returns to NFL By Signing with Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers now have another backup to Baker Mayfield. Teddy Bridgewater is back after a short stint coaching at Miami Northwestern. Things spiraled quickly as Bridgewater was suspended for simply trying to help his players.
With the suspension in place, Bridgewater set his sights back on the NFL. Back in 2014, Bridgewater was selected No. 32 overall by the Minnesota Vikings. He played out his rookie contract before spending 2018 on both the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints.
Breaking: Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, sources told @AdamSchefter.
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— ESPN (@espn) August 5, 2025
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After a two-year stint in New Orleans, the Panthers made a move. Knowing their situation with Newton at the time, they believed this was their best decision moving forward. Ultimately, Bridgewater threw for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his one season with the team.
Come 2021, he was traded to the Denver Broncos. Carolina received a 2021 6th round pick as the Panthers moved forward with Sam Darnold. The post-Cam Newton era wasn’t exactly the brightest, but Bridgewater’s one year with the team proved to be a huge part of that.
The Louisville graduate spent 2022 on the Miami Dolphins before enjoying 2023-24 on the Detroit Lions. Now, news broke that he’ll be spending 2025 on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Teddy Bridgewater’s 2025 Career Outlook
His aforementioned suspension from coaching at high school ultimately led to his decision to return to the NFL. At 32-years-old, the 12th year quarterback will be on a depth chart with Mayfield, Kyle Trask, Michael Pratt, and Connor Bazelak.
Where he fits on that depth chart remains to be seen. Bridgewater is joining training camp just a few days ahead of the Buccaneers first preseason game. The Tennessee Titans come to town on Saturday, August 9 as the Bucs open their year at Raymond James Stadium.
Oddly enough, Bridgewater’s last NFL appearance came against the Panthers. The Lions let him into the game on October 8, 2023 where he recorded two carries for -2 yards. In his career, the Miami native has 221 carries for 844 yards.
Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per sources.
The Buccaneers will be Bridgewater’s 8th NFL team, and his third NFC South team to go along with the Saints and Panthers. pic.twitter.com/nOEgJOx2xh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2025
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Bridgewater’s last starts at QB came during his time on the Dolphins in 2022. He went 49-79 in five games, throwing for 683 yards. He threw both four touchdowns and four interceptions in that span. His career numbers sit at 75 passing touchdowns to 47 interceptions.
Obviously, the Panthers will get to play the Buccaneers on two occasions this year. Both games are played late in the season: Week 16 and 18. The Week 16 matchup takes place at Bank of America Stadium. Tampa has the last laugh as the team’s regular season finale emanates at the home of the Buccaneers.
Tampa’s schedule sees games against five teams that Bridgewater has previously played on. That all begins Week 3 against the Jets, followed by the Lions and Saints in Weeks 7 and 8. The Bucs face the Saints again in Week 14, followed by a Dolphins game in Week 17 sandwiched by the pair of Panthers matchups.
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