Former Buccaneers QB Signs Record Deal with Broncos — Publicly States Baker Mayfield Was the Barrier Preventing His Stay with Tampa Bay

January 21, 2026
Denver, Colorado – The Denver Broncos have made a big splash by signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a record future contract. While Bridgewater is still technically part of the Buccaneers, this move has garnered attention not only due to the contract's value but also because of Bridgewater's public comments about why he couldn't return to the Buccaneers, with Baker Mayfield being cited as the main obstacle.

Teddy Bridgewater, regarded as one of the NFL’s promising quarterbacks, had a short but impressive stint with the Buccaneers. However, he believes the competition with Mayfield in Tampa Bay was a huge challenge. While Mayfield had a successful season, Bridgewater asserts that Mayfield’s presence made it difficult for him to earn a starting role. “As long as Mayfield was there, my opportunities in Tampa Bay were truly limited,” Bridgewater shared. “I didn’t want to sit on the bench forever, I wanted the chance to prove my worth and lead a team.”

Bridgewater admits that the intense competition with Mayfield was the primary reason he decided to seek a new opportunity in Denver, where he hopes to have a fair chance to compete and build his career. “In Denver, I see a real opportunity to take control of the offense, and I know this team will help me develop my career. I don’t want to keep sitting on the bench,” Bridgewater added.

With his new contract, the Broncos hope to capitalize on Bridgewater’s potential, a player who has showcased impressive performances in key games. NFL coaches value Bridgewater’s arm strength and his ability to control the game. “Bridgewater has great resilience and is a quarterback who can lead a team to important victories,” an NFL expert commented.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now face the question of Mayfield’s future, especially with Bridgewater’s decision to leave. Mayfield, while the starting QB for the Buccaneers, continues to be a hot topic within the team. Whether Bridgewater’s departure will impact Mayfield’s development remains to be seen.

For the Broncos, adding Bridgewater to their roster is a significant move in boosting their offensive power and fostering healthy competition among players. With hope for the future, Bridgewater will prove that his decision to join the Broncos was the right one, setting big goals for the next season.