- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Allen Park Today
By the People, for the People
Teddy Bridgewater Rejoins Lions as Backup QB
Former Vikings QB returns to Detroit to back up Jared Goff after brief retirement.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:51pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has signed a deal to return to the Detroit Lions, where he will serve as the primary backup to starter Jared Goff. Bridgewater initially joined the Lions in 2023 but retired the following year to become a high school football coach. Now he's back in the NFL, giving Detroit an experienced option behind Goff.
Why it matters
Bridgewater's return provides the Lions with a reliable veteran presence in the quarterback room after the departure of Kyle Allen. While Goff remains the clear starter, Bridgewater's experience and leadership could prove valuable if Goff were to miss any time due to injury.
The details
Bridgewater, who will turn 34 in November, initially signed with the Lions in 2023 and appeared in just three snaps that season. He then retired the following February to take a job as head coach at his high school alma mater, Miami Northwestern, leading the team to a state championship. Now he's back in the NFL, ready to once again serve as Goff's primary backup.
- Bridgewater signed with the Lions on March 10, 2026.
- He previously played for the Lions in 2023 and 2024.
The players
Teddy Bridgewater
A veteran quarterback who has played for several NFL teams, including the Vikings, Saints, Broncos, and most recently the Lions in 2023-2024.
Jared Goff
The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions.
Kyle Allen
The former backup quarterback for the Lions who recently signed with the Buffalo Bills.
What they’re saying
“Bridgewater is viewed as a very strong locker room presence and mentor. Back when the Lions first signed Bridgewater in 2023, Lions coach Dan Campbell tasked Bridgewater with helping mentor young Lions receiver Jameson Williams.”
— Jeremy Reisman, Writer, Pride of Detroit
What’s next
The Lions will continue to evaluate their quarterback depth chart and could look to add a younger backup option through the draft or free agency.
The takeaway
Bridgewater's return to the Lions provides the team with an experienced and respected veteran presence in the quarterback room, which could prove valuable if Jared Goff were to miss any time due to injury.
