The Detroit Lions have made a big move in the NFL offseason by bringing back quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The 28-year-old signal-caller has signed a one-year deal with the Lions, returning to the team that drafted him in 2014.

Bridgewaters return to Detroit comes at a crucial time for the franchise. After a disappointing 2020 season, where they finished with a record of 5-11, the Lions are looking to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs. And with Bridgewater back in the mix, they have a proven and experienced quarterback who can lead them to success.

The decision to bring back Bridgewater was not an easy one for the Lions. They had several options available in free agency and could have also looked towards the upcoming NFL draft for a new quarterback. However, after careful consideration, they decided that Bridgewater was their best bet.

One of the main reasons for this decision is Bridgewaters familiarity with the Lions offensive system. He spent his first two seasons in Detroit under then-head coach Jim Caldwell and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. This means that he already has an understanding of how things work within the organization and can quickly adapt to any changes or updates.

Moreover, Bridgewater has shown his ability to be successful in this system before. In his rookie year with the Lions, he started 12 games and threw for over 3,000 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. While those numbers may not be eye-popping, it is important to note that he was just a rookie at the time and had limited weapons on offense.

Since then, Bridgewater has continued to improve as a quarterback. He spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2018. In his first season as a starter for the Saints, he led them to a 5-0 record while filling in for an injured Drew Brees. He finished the season with 1,384 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Bridgewaters success with the Saints caught the attention of the Carolina Panthers, who signed him to a three-year deal in 2020. He started 15 games for the Panthers last season and threw for a career-high 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While his numbers may not have been as impressive as some of the other quarterbacks in the league, he showed that he can be a reliable starter and lead a team to victories.

With Bridgewater back in Detroit, he will have a chance to prove himself once again as a starting quarterback. The Lions offense has some talented weapons in wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., along with running back DAndre Swift. Bridgewaters ability to distribute the ball and make smart decisions will be crucial in utilizing these weapons effectively.

Another factor that makes Bridgewater an attractive option for the Lions is his leadership qualities. He is known for being a great teammate and has earned respect from his coaches and peers throughout his career. This will be important for a Lions team that is looking to build chemistry and unity after a disappointing season.

Of course, there are still some concerns surrounding Bridgewaters health. He suffered a devastating knee injury in 2016 while with the Vikings, which sidelined him for almost two full seasons. However, he has since made a full recovery and has not missed any significant time due to injury since then.

The Lions are also aware of this risk but have taken precautions by signing him to just a one-year deal. This gives them flexibility if things do not work out or if they decide to go in another direction next offseason.

Overall, bringing back Teddy Bridgewater is a low-risk move for the Lions that could potentially yield high rewards. He brings experience, familiarity with their system, leadership qualities, and a proven track record of success. With the right pieces around him, he has the potential to lead the Lions to a successful season and help them make a push for the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see how Bridgewater performs in his second stint with the Lions. But one thing is for sure, his return has brought excitement and hope to a team that is looking to turn things around and make a statement in the upcoming NFL season.