Experience counts.

When an opportunity arises for NFL teams to sign a veteran quarterback who is familiar with the roster and offensive scheme, most tend to sign a player for insurance reasons.

This is especially true heading into the postseason, as the Lions have already secured a spot and could clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed this week.

Teddy Bridgewater, 32, who spent the 2023 season in Motown, is a respected veteran player who has many connections to the players in Detroit’s locker room. He will return to the team for the remainder of the 2024 season, as the Lions are expected to formally announce his signing on Thursday.

Bridgewater reportedly received inquiries regarding his interest in becoming an assistant coach at the NFL level, but chose to pursue a championship as a player with the Lions.

Even though he won’t be on the roster for most of the 2024 season, veteran NFL signal-caller Dan Campbell and the coaching staff will provide additional comfort should something unforeseen happen to Jared Goff.

“I have been in contact with Teddy for some time and it was always a potential possibility. “We all know what Teddy did down there and what he gave back to his community,” Campbell said. “They won a championship down there, so his debut as a coach worked out pretty well. “But just to be able to bring someone back here who has experience, he stays in shape, he’s been pitching – just get him back in a little bit Momentum.

“It just brings a level of professionalism, veteran presence, someone who is great for our team. He’s great for the position. “That doesn’t mean we’re disappointed in Hooker, that’s not what that means,” Campbell continued. “It just means we have someone who has played a lot in the NFL. We are preparing for the playoffs so it would be good to have him back with us.”

Goff was also excited to bring the veteran back into the room, joking that Bridgewater has a new nickname while praising the influence he has on the running of the quarterbacks room.

“Yeah, it’s fun, it’s cool,” Goff said. “I’m glad to have him back, state champion Teddy Bridgewater we call him now.” But yeah, he’s a valuable asset to our team and I love having him in the quarterback room and it’s great “To have him around.”

No disappointment from Hendon Hooker

Many could learn more about the team’s opinion of Hooker and his development during his time in Detroit.

Both Campbell and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell reiterated that the 2023 third-round pick has improved and the staff is confident he can step in when called upon.

“He’s getting better every week. He really is. His mechanics, his fundamentals, his understanding of the defenses he faces and his preparation, his work ethic,” Brunell said of Hooker. “I can’t say enough about him, he was great. He’s really getting better. He’s going to be a really good quarterback in this league.”

Bridgewater has had a lasting and far-reaching impact on his teammates in his first year with the Lions, as many returning players have a good impression of the veteran quarterback.

Amon-Ra St. Brown was impressed with the passer’s approach both on and off the field and expects him to have a strong impact toward the end of the year.

“He’s great. He’s a great guy. He’s fun to be with, he brings good energy. “Just a consummate professional, he understands the game, outside the game, life,” St. Brown said of Bridgewater. “Just won a state championship in Florida. So he does a lot of things, but he’s a great person.”

Help in practice

With Bridgewater back in the game, Campbell also hopes the defense can continue to be tested on a weekly basis.

Detroit’s fourth-year head coach suggested the defense would also benefit from having Bridgewater on the field.

“I think it’s great. It’s great for our team. I think everyone in this locker room respects Teddy and what he stands for, the type of person he is. But also the kind of player,” Campbell said. “Whenever he gets his sea legs under him, he’ll test these guys a little bit defensively, which is good in practice. I just feel like when you have guys that you feel like they make everyone around them a little bit better. It’s hard not to have those guys around or add them when you can.

Bridgewater played in one game for Detroit last season while also serving as Goff’s backup. He has played in 79 games in his career, including 65 starts.

Bridgewater indicated on NFL Network that he plans to return to Florida after the end of the 2024 season to resume coaching the team he led to a high school state title.