Detroit Lions sign QB Teddy Bridgewater to back up Jared Goff
Dan Campbell never concealed the Detroit Lions’ desire to pursue Teddy Bridgewater, and it’s evident that desire was mutual.
On the eve of their joint workouts with the New York Giants, the Lions signed Bridgewater as their new backup quarterback.
Bridgewater, 31, was regarded one of the better backup quarterbacks available this offseason and immediately improves a position that the Lions have overlooked for years.
Bridgewater has a nine-year starting record of 33-32 and completed 62% of his throws in two games with the Miami Dolphins last season.
MORE ROSTER CHANGES: The Lions retain long snapper Scott Daly while releasing ex-Pro Bowler Jake McQuaide.
Campbell has previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints.
“I don’t think I’ve hidden anything about my feelings for Teddy Bridgewater,” Campbell stated after Bridgewater visited the Lions this summer as a free agent. “So if we can add a guy like Teddy and bring competition to the room, I’m all for it.”
Last season, Nate Sudfeld served as the Lions’ backup quarterback but did not attempt a pass behind Jared Goff. Sudfeld received a one-year contract extension with the Lions this spring and has played every second-team rep in training camp.
Sudfeld said last week that the Lions have kept him informed of their interest in Bridgewater, which Campbell said is part of their strategy to amass as much talent — and insurance — as possible for what they believe will be a long playoff run.
“The fact that we’re — wow, here we go. We’re in Year 3 and I believe we’re in a much better position, and you just want to know you’re in the finest hands possible,” Campbell added. “I’ll leave it there.” But there’s also the competition. That doesn’t mean Nate is out of options if we take this approach, and if it works out, you’ll feel certain that whoever emerges from the fire will be the appropriate individual.
The Lions have two other quarterbacks on their 91-man roster: Rookie third-round pick Henson Hooker and undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez.
Hooker is on the nonfootball injury list and is not expected to play this preseason as he recovers from a college knee injury.
Martinez has worked exclusively with the third-team offense in camp.
Leave a Reply