ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — After Teddy Bridgewater's departure from the team, the Detroit Lions have signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal, according to a report from Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo with NFL Network.
Dobbs last played with the Patriots in October 2025. Dobbs was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, and has appeared in 27 games across six seasons. He has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Tennessee Titans, the Arizona Cardinals, the Minnesota Vikings, the San Francisco 49ers and the Patriots.
Dobbs, who threw for 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 games in 2023 with the Cardinals and Vikings, is expected to play behind Jared Goff as the Lions' backup quarterback.
Bridgewater, a veteran passer who was in line to be the Lions backup quarterback, is stepping away from the team, head coach Dan Campbell announced on Sunday.
At this time, it's unclear whether Bridgewater, 33, will retire or join another team.
"I've known Teddy a long time, man, the human being is unbeliveable," Campbell told the media on Sunday. "Everything he's about, the type of teammate he is, the way he prepares, he always played the game (mentally). He had a huge heart and he's going to be missed."
Bridgewater, known as a steady veteran presence in the locker room, was the Lions' primary backup quarterback for parts of 2023 and 2024, appearing in just one game. In 2024, he also led his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, to a FHSAA Class 3A state championship in December 2024 in his first season as head coach.
Bridgewater was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round in 2014, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015. Across his 11-year career, he has also played for the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers, the Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appearing in 83 games and starting in 65 games.