By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions might be setting up for a bit of a quarterback curveball this summer. While Jared Goff has the starting job locked down, it’s the backup conversation that’s heating up — and it may not end the way most fans expect.
Veteran Presence vs. Young Potential
After signing veteran QB Kyle Allen in March, the Lions made it clear they weren’t quite ready to hand over the No. 2 role to 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker. And it’s not hard to see why.
Allen brings with him 31 games of NFL experience (12 starts), a solid command of multiple systems, and what Lions QB coach Mark Brunell described as “a good grasp on how to play at this level.” Brunell also emphasized Allen’s value as a steady presence in the QB room — someone who can serve as “a good resource for Jared” and be ready to step in if needed.
Hooker, on the other hand, is still trying to find his NFL footing after spending most of his rookie year rehabbing a torn ACL. While there’s still optimism about his future, the Lions are understandably hesitant to rely on him outright in 2025.
A Room for Three?
That cautious approach has sparked talk of Detroit potentially carrying all three quarterbacks on the active roster. Emmett Matasovsky of SI.com floated the idea that Allen could stick as a third quarterback if Hooker doesn’t win the QB2 battle outright in training camp.
It wouldn’t be the first time the Lions leaned into QB insurance. Let’s not forget they pulled Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement last season for that very reason.
Matasovsky put it plainly: “With Hooker being a player the Lions spent high draft capital on, it is more likely that Allen would make the roster as a third quarterback.”
Is Hooker Still in Detroit’s Long-Term Plans?
The bigger question looming behind all this is whether Hendon Hooker is still in Detroit’s long-term picture.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder stirred the pot earlier this year by predicting Hooker could eventually become trade bait, especially after the Lions handed Goff a hefty extension. If the front office sees Hooker as permanently stuck in a backup role, moving him to a QB-needy team could be the best way to recoup value.
Whether that happens this year or further down the line, Hooker’s performance this preseason might shape more than just the depth chart — it could shape his career.
Final Snap Judgment
The Lions have a stable leader in Jared Goff. But as for who’s next in line, things are anything but settled. Whether it’s Hooker, Allen, or both, don’t be surprised if Detroit enters the season with three quarterbacks ready to go — and one quietly on the trade radar.