The Detroit Lions have signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year, $1.425 million contract with $475,000 fully guaranteed to serve as Jared Goff’s backup following the surprise retirement of Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater, who had rejoined the Lions in March after a brief retirement, announced his decision to step away from football again during training camp, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The team placed Bridgewater on the reserve/retired list ahead of Sunday’s practice. Campbell described Bridgewater as a valued teammate and mentor, stating the veteran’s departure would leave a void in the locker room.
The Lions had previously worked out quarterbacks Jake Haener and Jack Plummer, but ultimately selected Dobbs, who has NFL experience dating back to 2017 when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dobbs’ most recent stint was as a backup for the New England Patriots, where he played in four games during their Super Bowl run. Earlier in 2023, he started eight games for the Arizona Cardinals, compiling a 1-7 record with 1,569 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. He was later traded to the Minnesota Vikings in October 2023, starting four of five games and posting a 2-2 record.
Bridgewater, a first-round pick in 2014, had an inconsistent NFL career spanning multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins. He threw for 6,150 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions from 2014 to 2017 before finding a more defined role as a backup. His second retirement follows a previous announcement after the 2023 season, during which he briefly coached high school football before returning to the NFL with the Lions in 2024 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025.
Campbell emphasized Bridgewater’s professionalism and leadership, noting his concern about letting the team down. The Lions’ move to sign Dobbs reflects their effort to secure a capable veteran presence in the quarterback room as the 2025 season approaches.