Buccaneers sign Teddy Bridgewater to 1-year deal to back up Baker Mayfield
After sitting out the 2020 season due to injury, Teddy Bridgewater is making his long-awaited return to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, have signed Bridgewater to a one-year deal in hopes of adding depth and experience to their quarterback room.
Bridgewater, a former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft, has had a rollercoaster of a career thus far. After a promising start with the Vikings, Bridgewater suffered a devastating knee injury in 2016 that nearly ended his career. However, he was able to make a remarkable comeback with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, filling in for the injured Drew Brees and leading the team to a 5-0 record in his absence.
Despite his success with the Saints, Bridgewater found himself on the move again in 2020, this time signing a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Bridgewater had a solid season with the Panthers, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 15 touchdowns, but the team ultimately decided to move in a different direction at the quarterback position, leading to Bridgewater’s release in the offseason.
Now, Bridgewater finds himself in Tampa Bay, joining a loaded Buccaneers roster that is looking to defend their Super Bowl title in 2021. With future Hall of Famer Tom Brady entrenched as the starting quarterback, Bridgewater will likely be serving as a backup and mentor to the younger quarterbacks on the roster.
The signing of Bridgewater provides the Buccaneers with valuable insurance at the quarterback position. While Brady has shown no signs of slowing down at age 44, the team understands the importance of having a capable backup in case of injury. Bridgewater’s experience and leadership will be invaluable in the quarterback room, helping to mentor and develop the younger quarterbacks on the roster.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Bridgewater brings a level of professionalism and character that will be a welcome addition to the Buccaneers locker room. Known for his work ethic and positive attitude, Bridgewater is the type of player that teammates gravitate towards and respect. His presence will only enhance the already strong culture that head coach Bruce Arians has built in Tampa Bay.
From a football standpoint, Bridgewater’s skill set is a natural fit for the Buccaneers offense. Known for his accuracy and decision-making, Bridgewater excels in a quick-hitting passing attack that emphasizes getting the ball out quickly to playmakers in space. With weapons like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rob Gronkowski at his disposal, Bridgewater should have no trouble finding success in the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense.
Of course, Bridgewater’s success in Tampa Bay will ultimately depend on how much playing time he sees on the field. As the backup to Brady, Bridgewater will likely be relegated to a reserve role, only seeing action in the event of an injury to the future Hall of Famer. However, Bridgewater understands his role and is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team win.
In the meantime, Bridgewater will use his time in Tampa Bay to continue to develop as a quarterback and learn from one of the greatest to ever play the game. Working alongside Brady on a daily basis will provide Bridgewater with a wealth of knowledge and experience that he can carry with him throughout the rest of his career. And who knows, if the opportunity arises, Bridgewater will be ready to step in and lead the Buccaneers to victory.
Overall, the signing of Teddy Bridgewater by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a win-win for both parties. The Buccaneers get a proven veteran quarterback to bolster their depth at the position, while Bridgewater gets the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and potentially contribute to a championship-winning team. With Bridgewater’s return to the NFL, the Buccaneers are poised to make another run at a Super Bowl title in 2021.
Source: The Denver Post