By Moses Joshua 
Despite offseason competition, the former Tennessee star is positioned to remain in Detroit as a developmental quarterback with long-term promise.
Hooker Holding Ground Amidst QB Competition
As the Detroit Lions enter the thick of their 2025 training camp, former Tennessee Volunteers standout Hendon Hooker finds himself in the spotlight. According to ESPN projections, the third-year quarterback is expected to earn a place on the Lions’ final 53-man roster—despite a crowded quarterback room.
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hooker has spent the past two seasons behind Pro Bowler Jared Goff. He made three appearances in the 2024 campaign, completing limited reps for 62 yards on just nine passing attempts. While his game action has been minimal, his development behind the scenes continues to be a point of interest for the Lions’ coaching staff.
Veteran Addition Raises Stakes
Hooker’s path to the QB2 spot has grown more challenging with the offseason signing of veteran signal-caller Kyle Allen. The addition of Allen, a proven backup with multiple teams under his belt, introduces direct competition for the No. 2 role behind Goff.
Still, Lions head coach Dan Campbell appears confident that Hooker is rising to the challenge.
“Hooker knows the deal,” Campbell said. “You’re out here to compete and we gave him some things to do while he was home, working on the urgency, the footwork, continue training, and it’s only one day but I liked what I saw out there yesterday.”
“There was an urgency, I thought his footwork was on, I thought he was spitting the plays out… He knows it’s time to take the next step, and it’s his move.”
Campbell’s comments signal that while Hooker isn’t guaranteed the backup job, he’s being given every opportunity to earn it—and potentially more in the years ahead.
A Roster Spot with Long-Term Potential
Even if Hooker begins the year as the third quarterback on the depth chart, his inclusion on the roster speaks volumes. The Lions continue to invest in his development, believing that his poise, arm talent, and football IQ could make him a future starter or high-end backup.
With preseason battles ahead and roster cuts looming, Hooker’s performance over the next few weeks will be under scrutiny. But for now, his projection as a roster lock underscores his staying power in Detroit—and perhaps, the beginning of something bigger.