By Blessing 
For the third straight season, Jared Goff has been the reliable starter under center for all 17 games. But the Detroit Lions know they can’t afford to be caught off guard if Goff misses time. That’s why a key focus of the offseason is figuring out who’s the right man to back him up.
Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear: bringing in veteran Kyle Allen wasn’t just a depth move—it was a strategic decision to spark real competition with second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker.
“Hooker, no different than Allen, are competing,” Campbell said. “The best way to help guys really reach their full potential is competition. You can say things. You can say things the best you can to prop them up. But at some point, you just have to go compete and it’s him or you. I anticipate Hooker’s going to compete. That’s what he does.”
For Campbell and the Lions, competition isn’t just a motivational tool—it’s a core philosophy. It’s about pushing players to reach their highest level by testing them against others who want the same job.
General Manager Brad Holmes shares that mindset. While the organization remains excited about Hooker’s future, Holmes emphasized that they want him to earn the backup role rather than simply inherit it. The hope is that the added pressure from Allen will help bring out the best in Hooker.
With Goff expected to see minimal action during the preseason, the spotlight will shift to Allen and Hooker. That stretch will be crucial in determining who looks more prepared to step in, should the need arise. One thing’s for sure: the battle for QB2 in Detroit is just heating up.