Lions QB Teddy Bridgewater steps away from team, considers retirement
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 6:07 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from the Detroit Lions nearly a month before the regular season starts. Coach Dan Campbell confirmed the decision, leaving the team with Jared Goff and rookie Luke Altmyer as the only quarterbacks on the roster. Bridgewater, who previously retired in 2023, returned to the NFL as Goff's backup but now appears to be contemplating retirement once again. The Lions will explore options to bring in another QB to provide depth behind Goff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- •Bridgewater is placed on the reserve/retired list by the Lions.
- •Campbell announced Bridgewater's decision on August 9, 2026.
- •Jared Goff remains the starting quarterback, with rookie Luke Altmyer as backup.
- •Bridgewater returned to the NFL after coaching at his former high school.
- •The Lions plan to work out additional quarterbacks soon.
- 6:07 PMCBS NFL — Teddy Bridgewater retires again: Lions suddenly need a new backup QB behind Jared Goff
- 5:37 PMYahoo Sports — Is Teddy Bridgewater retiring? Why Lions QB is 'stepping away' from role as Jared Goff's backup
"The Lions will need to find a new backup quarterback behind Jared Goff.
"Bridgewater, 33, is calling it a career after 11 NFL seasons
Sources
External links- CBS NFLAug 9, 2026, 6:07 PMTeddy Bridgewater retires again: Lions suddenly need a new backup QB behind Jared Goff
Bridgewater, 33, is calling it a career after 11 NFL seasons
- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 5:37 PMIs Teddy Bridgewater retiring? Why Lions QB is 'stepping away' from role as Jared Goff's backup
The Lions will need to find a new backup quarterback behind Jared Goff.
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