Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp has seen a quarterback competition turn into a one-sided affair as of late, thanks to Michael Pratt's lingering back injury. Because of this, the Bucs needed another quarterback in camp.
Instead of going out and signing merely a camp body, though, Tampa Bay officially decided to sign one of the league's most respected backup quarterbacks and leaders in Teddy Bridgewater.
That certainly puts some unfair and unexpected pressure on Pratt, but this is simply the nature of the NFL. In Bridgewater, the Buccaneers have themselves another true leader in that locker room and someone who can elevate others around him.
But, could Pratt not be the only recent draft pick under pressure?
Teddy Bridgewater might put pressure on Kyle Trask at Buccaneers training camp
I wouldn't put it past Bridgewater making this roster and becoming the Buccaneers' backup over Kyle Trask, the Bucs' second-round pick back in 2021. For a few years, now, Trask has been unable to impress the way Tampa Bay had hoped he would.
Obviously, Baker Mayfield was able to come in and not only revive his career but earn a long-term job with the Buccaneers. No longer is Trask remotely viewed as a long-term solution by any means.
Bridgewater has played for two other NFC South teams in the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, so he has familiarity with the division. That will help. But, he's also been around several locker rooms over the years.
Most recently, he spent the past two years with the Detroit Lions and was able to absorb even more positive coaching and information under such strong coaches there in Dan Campbell, former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and others.
If the Bucs went into this season with Bridgewater as their backup, I don't think many Buccaneers fans would be upset. Trask could stick around as the team's third string, of course, and Pratt might end up on injured reserve.