Just when you think the offseason is quieting down, the quarterback carousel might be spinning up again—and the Lions could be right in the middle of it.
News broke late last week that Saints QB Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025 season. With the draft approaching and no clear Plan B in New Orleans, all eyes are on potential trade options. And that’s where the Detroit Lions come in.
In a projected trade from FanSided, the Lions send backup QB Hendon Hooker and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Saints in exchange for a 2025 third-rounder (No. 93 overall) and a 2026 fifth-rounder. On paper, it’s a smart move for Detroit—getting real value for a player who may no longer be in their long-term plans.
Hooker, drafted in the third round back in 2023, was once seen as a possible successor to Jared Goff. But after missing most of his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL and putting up modest numbers in limited preseason action (300 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), the 27-year-old now seems to be the odd man out—especially after the Lions brought in veteran Kyle Allen this offseason.
From the Saints’ perspective, Hooker could be an upgrade over Spencer Rattler, who struggled last year in limited starts. For the Lions, it’s a chance to pick up extra draft capital and clear a logjam at QB. There’s no official word yet on whether this deal is actually in the works—but don’t be surprised if Hooker ends up in a new uniform before the draft rolls around.
Lions Set to Cash In on Hendon Hooker After Saints’ Quarterback Setback
