The signs have been there for months, but now it’s becoming clear—Hendon Hooker’s spot on the Detroit Lions’ roster is far from secure. After a rookie season spent recovering from injury, Hooker had a chance to establish himself in 2024 as Jared Goff’s primary backup. Instead, the Lions opted to bring in Teddy Bridgewater late in the year, elevating him over Hooker for the playoffs. Then, this offseason, Detroit signed veteran journeyman Kyle Allen, setting up a direct competition for the No. 2 job.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes didn’t shy away from the situation when speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings. He acknowledged that the team still likes Hooker but made it clear that nothing is guaranteed. “Still got high hopes for him, but nobody’s gonna be given a job either. If Hendon wants to be the No. 2 quarterback, then win the No. 2 quarterback job.” That’s a blunt assessment from Holmes, but it lines up with how the team has handled Hooker in recent months.
Last season, Hooker only saw limited action in three blowout wins, and when the Lions entered the playoffs, they determined he wasn’t ready to be the primary backup. That role went to Bridgewater, who had only been with the team for part of the year. Now, with Bridgewater retiring and Allen in the mix, Hooker is at a crossroads. If he can’t beat out Allen—who is on his fourth team in four years and sixth since entering the league—it will confirm Detroit’s doubts about him.
Hooker was already a unique draft pick, an older quarterback prospect coming off a major injury when Detroit took him in the third round in 2023. If he can’t win the backup job this summer, the Lions could look to trade him. And if no market develops, an outright release isn’t off the table.
Brad Holmes Keeps It Real on Hendon Hooker’s Uncertain Future
