Baker Mayfield showed great form leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 with a strong season worthy of a Pro Bowl selection. However, the front office knows the season is long, and theyâve brought a quarterback out of retirementâsomeone who previously shared a locker room with Tua Tagovailoa on the Miami Dolphins and Jared Goff on the Detroit Lions.
Tampa Bay confirmed Mayfield as their starting quarterback with a three-year deal worth up to $100 million in March 2024, and they recently restructured the contract to guarantee him an additional $30 million in 2026. His starting role doesnât appear to be in jeopardy, but the team is clearly thinking about occasional backup options.
Having experience alongside quarterbacks like Tagovailoa and Goff gives a backup QB the veteran label, someone with the credentials to help push the Buccaneers deep into the upcoming season.
Who is the new quarterback joining the Buccaneers?
The backup quarterback joining the Buccaneers is none other than veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater, who visited the franchise and is expected to sign with Tampa Bay imminently, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Teddy Bridgewater of the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers will be Bridgewaterâs eighth NFL team, joining Tampa Bay after a stint with Goffâs Lions. The Bucs will also be his third NFC South team, along with the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers.
see also
NFL News: Buccaneers add a potential key weapon for QB Baker Mayfield amid roster moves
Bridgewaterâs retirement
Bridgewater officially announced his retirement in February 2024. His departure from the NFL coincided with the beginning of his coaching career at his former high school, Miami Northwestern, where he led the team to a Florida state championship. Later, the 32-year-old veteran came out of retirement to sign with the Lions. His return was brief and primarily served as support during the postseason, though he didnât appear in any regular season games.
