The Detroit Lions know exactly what they have in Teddy Bridgewater.
Apparently, not everyone else does.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano recently released his rankings of the NFL’s backup quarterbacks entering the 2026 season, and Bridgewater landed at No. 21 on the list.
For a quarterback who has earned the trust of coaches throughout his career and has already proven he can step into Detroit’s offense when needed, that ranking may come as a surprise to many Lions fans.
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Teddy Bridgewater’s Value Goes Beyond Statistics
In explaining the ranking, Manzano acknowledged the unique journey Bridgewater has taken throughout his NFL career.
“It seems like it was ages ago that Bridgewater was viewed as the franchise quarterback in Minnesota. His career trajectory drastically changed after suffering a career-threatening leg injury before the 2016 season.”
That injury altered the course of what once appeared to be a promising long-term career as an NFL starter.
Still, Bridgewater managed to reinvent himself as one of the league’s most trusted backup quarterbacks.
“Bridgewater revived his career as a quality backup in New Orleans, gaining the trust of coach Sean Payton while making spot starts in ’18 and ’19.”
Throughout multiple stops around the league, Bridgewater built a reputation as a player coaches could trust to prepare like a starter and step in when needed.
Lions Value Teddy Bridgewater’s Leadership
While Manzano believes Bridgewater is no longer among the NFL’s elite backup quarterbacks, he still highlighted several traits that continue to make him valuable.
“Bridgewater’s days of being viewed as a high-end No. 2 quarterback are gone, but he still has the trust of coaches, he’s beloved in the locker room and his high football IQ makes him an asset during film sessions.”
Those qualities are a major reason why Detroit continues to value Bridgewater’s presence.
Quarterback rooms are about more than arm strength and athleticism. Preparation, leadership, and helping develop the offense throughout the week are equally important responsibilities.
Bridgewater excels in those areas.
Detroit Lions Know What They Are Getting
Bridgewater’s connection to Detroit runs deeper than many backup quarterbacks around the league.
As Manzano noted:
“Bridgewater, who played with the Lions in 2023 and ’24, briefly retired to coach high school football before signing with the Buccaneers last season.”
The veteran quarterback is already familiar with Dan Campbell, Jared Goff, and much of Detroit’s offensive structure.
That familiarity matters.
If Goff were forced to miss time, the Lions would not be turning to a quarterback learning the offense on the fly. They would be turning to a respected veteran who already understands the culture and expectations inside the building.
Is No. 21 Too Low?
That is the question many Lions fans will likely ask.
Manzano ranked Cincinnati Bengals backup Joe Flacco as the top backup quarterback in football, while San Francisco 49ers reserve Mac Jones checked in at No. 2.
There is certainly an argument that players with recent starting experience deserve to rank ahead of Bridgewater.
However, there is also an argument that a quarterback with Bridgewater’s experience, football intelligence, and familiarity with Detroit’s system provides more value than a No. 21 ranking suggests.
The Lions are hoping the conversation remains purely hypothetical.
As long as Jared Goff stays healthy, Bridgewater’s biggest impact may come behind the scenes.
But if Detroit ever needs him, the organization has confidence that he can step into the huddle and keep the offense moving.
That peace of mind may be worth more than any offseason ranking.