Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
This one may hurt the hearts of many New Orleans Saints fans.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, beloved by the Saints fanbase, is set to visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday and is expected to sign with the team.
Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater is visiting Tampa today, and is expected to sign with the Buccaneers, per sources.
The Buccaneers will be Bridgewater’s 8th NFL team, and his third NFC South team to go along with the Saints and Panthers. pic.twitter.com/nOEgJOx2xh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2025
Bridgewater spent his 2018 and 2019 seasons in New Orleans. He started six games during that span including a 5-0 run during the 2019 season while filling in for an injured Drew Brees.
During his time in New Orleans he endeared himself to Saints fans by embracing the city and providing numerous viral moments. Winning a handful of consecutive games sure didn’t hurt either.
We’re not crying you’re crying. 😭@teddyb_h2o reminds us all to not take anything for granted.#WednesdayWisdom | @Saints pic.twitter.com/Vc7k4OMJMc
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 25, 2019
The former Louisville Cardinal went on to earn a starting contract with the Carolina Panthers before eventually bouncing around to a few more teams.
In 2023, he stepped away from the NFL to coach a championship season at his alma mater Miami Northwestern High School.
After providing several resources to his young players including meals, recovery services and even Uber rides to and from team events like practices and games, he was suspended by the school for providing “impermissible benefits.”
Now, instead of jumping from the NFL to high school coaching, Bridgewater is poised to make the reverse move, returning from high school to an NFL role.
He hasn’t been removed from the pro game too long, though. Following his championship season, he did return to the league with the Detroit Lions during last year’s playoff run, leading a touchdown drive in the NFC Championship Game.
Bridgewater was seen as a clear option for the Saints when it was assumed that they might entertain the idea of adding a veteran quarterback. He’s a Louisville alum like Saints rookie Tyler Shough, has overcome injuries and adversity himself, and could offer meaningful insight on how to win over the city of New Orleans.
However, New Orleans has chosen not to go the veteran quarterback route. Instead, the team has relied on the former NFL quarterback experience of much of its offensive coaching staff.
Now, Bridgewater returns to the NFC South, but in a different uniform.
But hey, at least he didn’t sign with the Atlanta Falcons, right?
