The Detroit Lions signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on Thursday, according to a post from the Lions’ X account.
Bridgewater will go straight to the active roster to bolster the Lions’ quarterback room.
While the move does strengthen the Lions’ quarterback room, it potentially makes the future a bit more murky for VFL Hendon Hooker.
#Lions have signed QB Teddy Bridgewater to the Active Roster and LB DaRon Gilbert to the Practice Squad.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 26, 2024
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was adamant during a Thursday press conference that the team isn’t “disappointed” with the former Vol at the backup position.
“It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence, somebody that’s great for our team, he’s great for the position,” Campbell said of Bridgewater during a Thursday press conference. “Doesn’t mean we’re disappointed in [Hendon] Hooker, that’s not what this means. It just means this gives us somebody that’s played a lot in the NFL. We’re getting ready for the playoffs and so it’ll be good to get him back in the fold with us.”
Campbell spoke directly about Hooker’s development during his press conference.
“Look, he’s improved,” Campbell said about the former Tennessee quarterback. “He really has. We feel like every week he’s gotten a little bit better. This does not mean that Hooker is out. That’s not what this means. If it comes to that, Hooker’s going to play for us. But Teddy probably will too. I understand what it looks like. But it’s just a different world that we’re getting ready to walk into. Felt like this was the right thing to do, especially with someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect with and for. He understands our offense well. The guys know him well, the coaches know him well. He brings a certain level of comfort to us.”
Coach Campbell on Teddy Bridgewater pic.twitter.com/UEDA77T35q
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 26, 2024
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Bridgewater served as Jared Goff’s backup during the 2023 season but left during the offseason to coach high school football, where he won a championship in his first season. With Bridgewater out of the mix for the majority of the season, Hooker served as the backup quarterback in 2024.
In three preseason games with Detroit early in the fall, Hooker threw for 300 yards on 29-of-44 passing with 138 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.
The former Vol has seen the field during garbage time in three games this season, completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards with only a few carries on the ground. Hooker played against Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Dallas this season in huge blowout wins for Detroit.
Campbell seemed adamant that Hooker was still in the mix, but almost too adamant. The move is smart for Detroit to have as many options as possible heading into the postseason but could limit Hooker’s opportunities that may arise in case of emergency.
Hendon Hooker was drafted with the 68th overall pick in the third round by the Lions in the 2023 NFL but did not play his rookie season because of an ACL injury that was suffered late in his final season at Tennessee. After going through significant recovery and rehab, though, Hooker made his way to the active roster to begin his sophomore season in the league with Detroit.
Bridgewater is 32 years old and last played with the Lions on Oct. 8, 2023, in a win over Carolina. Bridgewater did not record any passing stats in that game.
Hooker recently narrated Tennessee’s hype video before the College Football Playoffs last weekend.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Hendon Hooker news as the Lions make a push for the postseason in 2025.
