By Sunday 
Could Detroit Trade Their 2023 Draft Pick for a More Reliable Option?
As the Detroit Lions enter the 2025 offseason, one thing is crystal clear—Jared Goff is locked in as the team’s starting quarterback. But behind him, things aren’t as certain. With veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater set to hit free agency, the Lions face a decision on who will fill the No. 2 quarterback role. That uncertainty has led to speculation that Detroit may move on from Hendon Hooker, their third-round pick from the 2023 draft.
Is Hooker’s Future in Detroit in Doubt?
Detroit signed Bridgewater as a late-season insurance policy, ensuring they had an experienced presence behind Goff. That left Hooker, who spent most of his rookie season developing, without a clear role. He didn’t see any regular-season action and was notably inactive for the Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
With Goff entrenched as the long-term starter, Hooker’s path to meaningful playing time in Detroit seems slim. If the Lions prioritize experience at the backup spot, the young quarterback could be on the move.
Why the Lions Might Consider Trading Hooker
Despite his potential, Hooker is currently more of a project than a polished backup. Detroit has built a roster built for immediate success, and with most of their key players secured under long-term contracts, Hooker could be a trade asset.
Analysts at TWSN predict that the Lions could shop Hooker this offseason, potentially landing a fourth-round pick from a quarterback-needy team. Moving him would free up Detroit to pursue a more experienced backup—someone who has proven capable of stepping in when needed.
Given that Hooker spent much of his rookie season on the sidelines, the Lions may prefer a quarterback who can seamlessly take over if Goff were to miss time.
Would a Trade Benefit Hooker?
A trade could be the best thing for Hooker’s career. If he lands with a team looking for a long-term solution at quarterback, he might have a real chance to develop into a starter. Sitting behind Goff indefinitely won’t accelerate his growth, and a fresh start in a new system could be exactly what he needs.
That said, the Lions won’t rush to move him unless the right offer comes along. Hooker remains on an affordable rookie contract, and if the team doesn’t find a trade that makes sense, keeping him as a developmental option remains on the table.
For now, Hooker’s fate remains uncertain, and the Lions’ offseason moves will dictate whether he stays in Detroit or gets a new opportunity elsewhere.