Lions Set to Hold QB2 Battle Between Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen
The Lions aren’t handing anything to Hendon Hooker this offseason—not even the backup quarterback job. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the team will hold a true QB2 competition, with Kyle Allen getting a legitimate shot to unseat Hooker as Jared Goff’s primary backup.
Hooker, a former standout at Tennessee, has shown flashes but has only thrown nine passes in the NFL. He spent most of last season holding a clipboard, and Detroit’s decision to sign Allen suggests they’re still unsure about fully trusting Hooker in a critical backup role.
Allen, a journeyman with starting experience across five NFL teams, inked a low-risk, one-year deal and brings a steady—but unspectacular—veteran presence. It’s clear the Lions want to keep Hooker motivated, and Campbell made it plain: this will be a head-to-head battle, not a coronation.
With Jared Goff’s durability, the hope is neither player sees the field. But for a team with deep playoff ambitions, locking down a reliable backup is more important than ever.
Detroit Sparks Backup QB Competition: Hooker, Allen, Fromm in the Mix
