Lions Signal Josh Dobbs to One-12 months Deal After Teddy Bridgewater Steps Away

The Detroit Lions are shifting rapidly to fill a sudden gap at quarterback, signing veteran Josh Dobbs to a one-year contract after Teddy Bridgewater determined to step away from the crew.

Dobbs offers Detroit an skilled possibility behind beginning quarterback Jared Goff because the Lions put together for the preseason.

Lions Add Josh Dobbs

The deal is reportedly value $1.425 million, with $475,000 assured. Dobbs, 31, is returning to a crew he already is aware of after spending time on the Lions’ observe squad in 2022.

The transfer got here shortly after the Lions positioned Bridgewater on the reserve/retired checklist. The 33-year-old quarterback had returned to Detroit on a one-year deal after spending the 2025 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned Bridgewater’s determination was tough for the crew. According to CBS, Campbell has recognized him since their time along with the New Orleans Saints and praised the quarterback’s character, preparation, and management.

“His biggest worry was letting us down; that’s the type of guy he is,” Campbell mentioned.

Bridgewater had been anticipated to function Goff’s backup. His departure left rookie Luke Altmyer as the one different quarterback on the roster, forcing Detroit to search out one other veteran rapidly.

Altmyer had already been getting additional observe reps whereas Bridgewater was away. Campbell mentioned the rookie dealt with the added work properly and would proceed to get a heavy workload.

Goff won’t play within the Lions’ preseason opener in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals. That makes the addition of Dobbs particularly necessary as Detroit prepares to provide its different quarterbacks worthwhile sport time.

Josh Dobbs Set for New Chapter

Dobbs brings loads of NFL expertise to the quarterback room. Since getting into the league as a fourth-round decide of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, he has performed for a number of groups, together with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots.

His busiest stretch got here in 2023. Dobbs began eight video games for Arizona earlier than being traded to Minnesota, the place he began 4 extra video games. Across 27 regular-season appearances, he has thrown for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, NY Post reported.

He has additionally proven that he may help along with his legs, recording 515 speeding yards and eight touchdowns throughout his NFL profession.

For Detroit, Dobbs offers a gentle veteran presence at a time when the quarterback room immediately wanted one. He will even have an opportunity to get conversant in the offense rapidly because the preseason begins.

Bridgewater’s departure ends one other chapter in his uncommon NFL profession. He beforehand stepped away from taking part in after the 2023 season to teach at Miami Northwestern, his highschool, earlier than ultimately returning to the Lions.