Lions sign Josh Dobbs as backup QB after Teddy Bridgewater retires

After quarterback Teddy Bridgewater announced his retirement, the Detroit Lions quickly secured a replacement in veteran Josh Dobbs. The Lions inked Dobbs to a one-year contract on Sunday, August 9, with agent Casey Neish confirming the news via social media. Dobbs, who has been with the Lions for years and under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, spent the latter part of the 2022 season on the team's practice squad.

A former fourth-round pick from Tennessee in 2017, Dobbs has a 3-12 record as a starter in his career. He made eight starts under Petzing with the Cardinals during the 2023 season, which coincided with Kyler Murray's recovery from knee surgery. Dobbs completed 62.8% of his passes for the Cardinals, throwing eight touchdowns and five interceptions. In the 2023 season, he played four games as a backup for the New England Patriots.

Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed the team's desire for a veteran backup to replace Bridgewater, who abruptly retired from the team. Campbell noted that the Lions have a strong faith in rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer, but acknowledged the need for more reps for him to fully develop. Dobbs, with his proven track record, will join the team to bolster the quarterback room.