Teddy Bridgewater’s curious comments on backing up Tua Tagovailoa

When quarterback Jacoby Brissett signed with the Miami Dolphins last offseason, he did so because he thought he would have a chance to play. He was right. Fast-forward a year, and Brissett is gone, and Teddy Bridgewater is the newest backup for Tua Tagovailoa — for now.

Bridgewater, speaking to reporters for the first time since signing a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the team, curiously declined to get into specifics about his expected role in Miami.

Bridgewater has started 63 games in an eight-year NFL career that includes stops in Minnesota, New Orleans, Carolina, and Denver.

So while the Dolphins coaching staff has been emphatic that Tua is the team’s QB1 this year, they also made sure to give themselves a trusted insurance policy if Tagovailoa again struggles or gets hurt.

“Honestly, man, the conversations that I had with the coaches, man, they were transparent with everything,” Bridgewater said Monday. “Being from South Florida, this is home. I get to sleep in my own bed every night. I don’t have to find somewhere to live. My son is here. My family’s here. So it was pretty much smooth and there wasn’t too much to decide on. The football side will always take care of itself. I’m just looking forward to this opportunity that I have.”

When pressed specifically about the envisioned role Dolphins coaches presented to him during free agency, Bridgewater responded:

“Honestly, man, that’s a conversation I’d rather keep in house. It’s a unique opportunity for me for this organization. And I’m happy that I could be a part of it this season. I’m going to be the best version of Teddy that I can be, helping the way that I know that I can help, being genuine and still giving my all to this game.”

Asked directly if he expects to back up Tua or if there might be a quarterback competition, Bridgewater replied:

“That’s something that the coaches and I, we talked about, and I’m confident and that conversation is really something that I’d rather not discuss.”

Bridgewater on time with Broncos, Russell Wilson trade

Bridgewater was far more forthcoming when asked about the one year he spent with the Broncos (2021), and Denver’s decision to replace him with Russell Wilson this offseason.

“This business, man, it’s been great to me. It’s opened doors for me. Given me opportunity after opportunity. That’s what Denver did for me. They gave me a chance to continue to grow in this league. I’m appreciative that they traded for me from Carolina. Last year was great, just to be a part of that organization, have an impact in the way I was able to have one.

“The trade, I’m happy for them. I think George [Paton] and I, we have a great relationship. From him trading Von Miller and Von winning the Super Bowl, I texted George. ‘Hey, what you did for Von and his career, I’ve got mad respect for you.’ The trade for Russell, I’m happy for those guys, especially those receivers there. They get to continue to grow in this league and I wish them nothing but the best.”