Bridgewater's previous NFL career took a turn after a major knee injury in 2016, but he battled back to start for the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. He later had stints with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Detroit. "He's a pro pro and (coach) Todd (Bowles) has a good relationship with him," Licht said.

He’s played 10 seasons in the league, including four years as a starter – with the Vikings in 2014 and 2015, the Panthers in 2020 and the Broncos in 2021.

After a late-season comeback with the Detroit Lions in 2024, Teddy Bridgewater is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a surprise move.