Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht recently unveiled a fascinating twist from the 2020 NFL free agency period, revealing that veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was the team’s top alternative if Tom Brady had chosen another destination. This revelation comes with an ironic flourish: years later, Bridgewater is now on the cusp of officially joining the Buccaneers. This unexpected turn of events highlights both Licht’s long-standing interest in the signal-caller and the unpredictable nature of NFL roster building.
The 2020 Crossroads: A Domino Effect in Free Agency
In March 2020, the NFL quarterback market was consumed by one seismic decision: where would Tom Brady land? His choice was widely anticipated to be the initial domino, setting off a chain reaction across the league. For the Buccaneers, who were aggressively pursuing Brady to lead their offense, a clear contingency plan was essential. General Manager Jason Licht confirmed this strategic foresight during a recent press conference, stating that Teddy Bridgewater was “what was behind door No. 2” if Brady had opted out of Tampa Bay.
This scenario wasn’t just a fleeting thought. As reported by The Athletic at the time, NFL decision-makers knew that if Brady signed elsewhere, teams like the Buccaneers, Chargers, and Raiders would immediately pivot to their “Plan B” options. Had Brady not chosen Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers would likely have intensified their pursuit of Bridgewater, or possibly Philip Rivers. The sheer magnitude of Brady’s decision created a “Choose Your Own Adventure” landscape for several franchises, with each outcome reshaping quarterback rooms across the NFL. Ultimately, Brady chose the Buccaneers, leading them to a Super Bowl LV victory, and Bridgewater’s path diverged, only to converge with Tampa Bay years later.
A Decade of Interest: Licht’s Consistent View of Teddy
Licht’s recent comments underscore that his interest in Teddy Bridgewater is far from new. The general manager’s connection to Bridgewater dates back to the 2014 NFL Draft. “We had him in here in 2014 before the draft,” Licht recalled, “there might’ve been a situation where we would’ve taken him if he had fell a little further.” This historical context showcases a sustained organizational belief in Bridgewater’s talent and character, predating his significant NFL career.
For a decade, Bridgewater has been on the Buccaneers’ radar, a testament to his consistent performance and respected presence within the league. This long-term evaluation underscores the strategic approach Licht takes to talent acquisition. While the opportunity to sign Bridgewater as a “Plan B” in 2020 didn’t materialize, the enduring interest speaks volumes. As Licht aptly put it, reflecting on the journey, “we ended up with Tom Brady, but now we have Teddy on the roster. So, you can have everything, just not all at once.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the delayed fulfillment of a long-held organizational desire.
Why Now? Bridgewater’s Unforeseen NFL Return
Bridgewater’s impending signing with the Buccaneers is particularly intriguing given his recent activities. The 32-year-old quarterback was most recently with the Detroit Lions for two seasons before stepping away from the NFL to pursue a coaching career. He made a notable impact as a high school football coach, leading Miami Northwestern High School’s team to a state championship. However, his coaching tenure was abruptly interrupted by a suspension for reportedly providing impermissible benefits to his players.
This suspension, though criticized by many, inadvertently cleared Bridgewater’s schedule, creating an unforeseen window for his NFL comeback. The Buccaneers, facing immediate needs within their quarterback room, seized this opportunity. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield had recently sustained a hand injury, causing him to miss practice time, and second-year quarterback Michael Pratt was also dealing with a back injury. Bridgewater’s availability presented a timely solution to bolster depth and experience as training camp progresses. His unexpected return, facilitated by a unique set of circumstances, provides critical insurance for Tampa Bay.
The Strategic Fit: Mentorship and Depth in Tampa Bay
Jason Licht articulated the clear strategic rationale behind bringing Bridgewater into the fold now. Describing him as a “nice addition to the room,” Licht emphasized the specific benefits Bridgewater brings, particularly for presumed starter Baker Mayfield. “Good for Baker,” Licht stated, highlighting the value of an “experienced guy” who is “obviously very smart.” He even jokingly praised Bridgewater’s coaching acumen, calling him a “hell of a high school coach, hell of a coach in general.”
The primary objective is to leverage Bridgewater’s “wealth of experience” to enrich the Buccaneers’ quarterback group. With a decade of NFL experience and 65 career starts under his belt, Bridgewater offers invaluable insights, leadership, and a steady presence that can significantly aid Mayfield’s development and provide a reliable backup option. His calm demeanor and ability to manage a game make him an ideal mentor and a trustworthy emergency option, crucial for a team looking to compete in a challenging division.
The QB Room Landscape: Trask’s Role and Roster Decisions
Despite the significant addition of Teddy Bridgewater, General Manager Jason Licht was clear that Kyle Trask remains the intended backup quarterback (QB2) for the Buccaneers. “Right now, Kyle is our backup — that’s the intention and that’s what we’re hoping for,” Licht affirmed. This statement reinforces the team’s ongoing commitment to Trask’s development and his current position on the depth chart.
However, Licht also stressed the inherent nature of NFL training camps: competition is constant. “Everybody’s competing,” he added, indicating that while Trask holds the favored position, performance in preseason games will ultimately shape the final roster. The possibility of the Buccaneers keeping three quarterbacks on their active roster is also being considered, a decision that remains pending as the team evaluates its options. This adds an extra layer of competition and intrigue to the Bucs’ quarterback situation as the regular season approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jason Licht reveal about Teddy Bridgewater’s connection to the 2020 Tom Brady signing?
Jason Licht, the Buccaneers’ General Manager, revealed that Teddy Bridgewater was the team’s “Plan B” quarterback in 2020 if Tom Brady had not chosen to sign with Tampa Bay. Licht had a long-standing interest in Bridgewater, dating back to the 2014 NFL Draft, where they considered picking him. This highlights that Bridgewater was a serious alternative during the critical 2020 free agency period that saw Brady ultimately land in Tampa.
How did Teddy Bridgewater’s recent coaching stint influence his return to the NFL and the Buccaneers?
Teddy Bridgewater had stepped away from the NFL after his tenure with the Detroit Lions to pursue a high school coaching career, leading Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship. His coaching stint was, however, interrupted by a suspension for providing impermissible benefits, which unexpectedly cleared his schedule. This situation, combined with recent hand and back injuries to Buccaneers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Michael Pratt, created an opportune moment for Tampa Bay to bring in the experienced veteran for depth.
What role is Teddy Bridgewater expected to play for the Buccaneers in the upcoming season?
While Kyle Trask is currently slated as the intended backup (QB2) behind Baker Mayfield, Teddy Bridgewater is expected to serve as an experienced veteran presence and mentor in the Buccaneers’ quarterback room. GM Jason Licht praised Bridgewater’s intelligence and experience, highlighting his value as a “nice addition” for Baker Mayfield. Bridgewater will provide critical depth and competition, especially given the current injury concerns, though the possibility of the team keeping three quarterbacks is still under consideration.
The revelation of Teddy Bridgewater as Tom Brady’s “Plan B” from 2020 offers a fascinating glimpse into the high-stakes world of NFL general management. It underscores the importance of contingency planning and the serendipitous nature of professional sports. Years after that pivotal moment, Bridgewater’s arrival in Tampa Bay, driven by a blend of long-term interest and immediate need, truly embodies Jason Licht’s sentiment: “you can have everything, just not all at once.” As the Buccaneers head into the season, Bridgewater’s veteran presence promises to be a valuable asset for Baker Mayfield and the entire quarterback unit.
