The Detroit Lions have signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs to a one-year contract worth $1.425 million, with $475,000 guaranteed, according to NFL Network. The move comes shortly after Teddy Bridgewater unexpectedly announced his decision to step away from football.
Dobbs enters the Lions' quarterback room as an experienced backup option for starter Jared Goff. Bridgewater had initially been expected to fill this role after rejoining the team this offseason on a one-year deal.
This is not the first time Bridgewater, 33, has stepped away from the NFL. Following the 2023 season, he temporarily halted his career to coach high school football at his alma mater. His retirement proved to be temporary as he returned to play during the 2024 playoffs before joining the Buccaneers, and subsequently returned to the Lions this offseason. Bridgewater's 11-year NFL career included 15,182 passing yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. He was originally a first-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Dobbs brings his own extensive journeyman experience to Detroit. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Since then, he has played for the Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots. He gained significant playing time in 2023, starting eight games for the Arizona Cardinals before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he started four more games. Across his 15 career starts, Dobbs has completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 3,346 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also adds a rushing element, with 515 career rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 110 carries.
Dobbs has a prior, brief connection to the Lions organization, having spent time on their practice squad in 2022 before moving on. The Lions will open their preseason schedule on August 13, on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by a home game against the Washington Commanders on August 22, and concluding the preseason against the Indianapolis Colts on August 29.