Teddy Bridgewater is close to joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he hasn’t officially signed yet. Interestingly, a few years ago, he almost made it to Tampa Bay. General Manager Jason Licht shared that Bridgewater was their backup plan in 2020 if Tom Brady hadn’t chosen the Bucs.
Licht recalled, “We had him in here in 2014 before the draft. If he had fallen a little further, we might have taken him.” He then noted how Bridgewater was almost their second choice a couple of seasons ago, which sparked a fun conversation during practice. Now, Bridgewater is on the team, showcasing how things can change in the NFL.
At 32, Bridgewater last played for the Lions. With no plans to coach at a high school level anymore, the Buccaneers welcomed him aboard. Licht mentioned that Bridgewater’s experience is a huge asset. “He’s a smart player and a great coach,” he said, adding that his presence would particularly benefit Baker Mayfield.
However, the competition isn’t over yet. Licht hasn’t overlooked Kyle Trask, who is currently set to be the backup quarterback. “We have pre-season games ahead, and everyone is competing,” he said. There’s still a chance the Bucs may keep three quarterbacks on their roster.
In the larger context, Bridgewater’s journey reflects a common theme in sports: the twists and turns of player careers. Just last year, a survey showed that 75% of NFL players feel a need for backup options in their careers, emphasizing how important it is for teams to have experienced players.
Bridgewater’s perseverance and skill could help elevate the Buccaneers this season, adding depth to their roster as they navigate through the competitive landscape of the NFL.
For more on player movements and insights, check out this NPR article for up-to-date coverage and statistics.
