Lions Sign Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater as Backup

Detroit adds experienced QB to support starter Jared Goff

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Lions have signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a contract, adding him as the backup to starter Jared Goff. Bridgewater, who has spent time with several NFL teams in recent years, will provide experienced depth behind Goff after the Lions lost their previous backup Kyle Allen to free agency.

Why it matters

The Lions needed to add an experienced quarterback to support Jared Goff, their starting QB, after losing their previous backup. Bridgewater, a former Pro Bowler, brings veteran leadership and the ability to step in if Goff gets injured or struggles.

The details

According to reports, the Lions have signed Teddy Bridgewater to a contract to serve as the backup quarterback behind Jared Goff. Bridgewater has played for several teams in recent years, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he saw limited action in the 2025-26 season. The Lions lost their previous backup QB, Kyle Allen, to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, so they needed to add an experienced signal-caller to support Goff.

  • The NFL's free agency period officially begins on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Bridgewater is signing with the Lions during the league's "tampering" period, when teams can negotiate with free agents before the official start of free agency.

The players

Teddy Bridgewater

A veteran quarterback who has played for several NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is now joining the Detroit Lions as the backup to starter Jared Goff.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who will now have Teddy Bridgewater as his backup.

Kyle Allen

The Lions' previous backup quarterback, who has signed a free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bridgewater is a natural candidate to return to Detroit, as he has spent parts of two seasons playing for Dan Campbell.”

— Christian Booher (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Lions will officially sign Teddy Bridgewater to his contract on Wednesday, March 11, the start of the new NFL league year.

The takeaway

The Lions have made a savvy move in signing the experienced Teddy Bridgewater as their new backup quarterback, providing valuable depth and insurance behind starter Jared Goff as the team looks to build on its recent success.