The New Orleans Saints just found themselves in a tough spot. Derek Carr, their starting quarterback, abruptly retired over Mother’s Day weekend due to a serious shoulder injury. Now, they’re looking at a pretty underwhelming QB competition between rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
Shough is expected to win the job, but let’s be honest—it’s not exactly a dream scenario. It’s starting to look like a quiet tank season in New Orleans. But this situation could open the door for the Detroit Lions to make a smart move: offer up Hendon Hooker.
Detroit has been lukewarm on Hooker since drafting him in the third round last year. The fact that they brought in veteran Teddy Bridgewater late in the 2023 season—and made him the backup for their playoff run—spoke volumes. It was a clear signal that Hooker wasn’t quite ready or trusted to step in when it mattered most.
That also means his trade value took a hit. But here’s the thing: the Saints actually liked Hooker during the 2023 draft process. If the Lions hadn’t taken him at pick No. 68, New Orleans might’ve grabbed him just a few spots later. And the same front office is still calling the shots in the Big Easy.
Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports even floated a proposal:
Lions get: 2026 sixth-round pick
Saints get: Hendon Hooker
It’s not a blockbuster return, but it’s something—and probably the best Detroit could hope for at this point. The Lions are locked into Jared Goff for the foreseeable future, so Hooker’s path to the field in Detroit is virtually non-existent.
With the Saints in desperate need of a capable quarterback and still holding interest in Hooker, now might be the perfect time for Brad Holmes to pick up the phone and make a deal.
After Derek Carr’s Retirement, Saints Could Be Ideal Trade Partner for Lions
