Detroit Lions sign Josh Dobbs following Teddy Bridgewater retirement

Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has decided to step away from the Detroit Lions, effectively retiring from the NFL. Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced the news on Sunday, stating that Bridgewater has been placed on the reserve/retired list. Campbell praised Bridgewater’s character and leadership, noting that the 33-year-old’s primary concern was not letting the team down.

In response to the sudden vacancy in the quarterback room, the Lions have signed veteran Josh Dobbs to a one-year contract worth $1.425 million, which includes $475,000 in fully guaranteed money. Dobbs, who previously spent time on the Lions' practice squad in 2022, is expected to serve as the primary backup to starter Jared Goff. Undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer remains on the roster and is expected to take on a larger role as the third-string option.

Bridgewater’s departure comes during training camp, just weeks before the start of the regular season. His career includes 83 games and 65 starts across several franchises, including the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.