What happened: The 33-year-old returned to Detroit in March for his third stint with the franchise. He first stepped away after the 2023 season, then resumed his NFL career in late 2024.
Why it matters: Detroit loses the veteran depth it added to its quarterback room for the 2026 season. Any replacement will have limited time to absorb the offense before the regular season.
By the numbers: Bridgewater's March 23 signing lasted 139 days before the Aug. 9 retirement announcement.
What to watch: Watch for Detroit's corresponding roster move and whether it adds another quarterback during the preseason.