The Detroit Lions are heading into summer with their starting quarterback situation firmly locked in — Jared Goff is the guy. But behind him, things are about to get interesting.
The Lions are setting up what looks to be a heated competition for the backup job between Hendon Hooker and veteran Kyle Allen. Hooker, a third-round pick in 2023, has yet to lock down the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, and Detroit’s front office isn’t just handing him the job. To crank up the pressure, they brought in Allen, a seasoned vet with 19 career NFL starts under his belt.
Allen’s experience makes him a serious threat. He’s thrown for nearly 4,800 yards with 26 touchdowns in his career and has been around the block with teams like the Panthers. Meanwhile, Hooker’s path has been bumpy. After missing his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL, he couldn’t hold onto the backup role last season, which led the Lions to sign Teddy Bridgewater late in the year to steady the position heading into the playoffs.
General manager Brad Holmes has been clear: Hooker has potential, but potential doesn’t win jobs. “If Hendon wants to be the number two quarterback, then win the No. 2 quarterback job,” Holmes told Lions Wire. It’s a make-or-break summer for Hooker, and Allen’s arrival ensures there’s no room for coasting.
So while Goff is the unquestioned leader, all eyes will be on this training camp battle to see who wins the right to stand next in line. Stay tuned — it could get spicy in Detroit this summer.
Lions Set Stage for Summer QB Battle Between Hendon Hooker & Kyle Allen
