The Detroit Lions could be eyeing a new backup quarterback — and it’s a name many NFL fans will recognize.
Even though Jared Goff is coming off one of the best years of his career and is locked in as QB1, the team still has some uncertainty behind him. Hendon Hooker is currently the No. 2, but the former Tennessee star hasn’t played a snap in a regular-season NFL game. That’s why CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin thinks Detroit might make a move for Kenny Pickett.
Yep, that Kenny Pickett.
Pickett was recently traded to the Cleveland Browns, but after the team drafted Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel — and brought back Joe Flacco — their quarterback room is way too full. Benjamin says Detroit could be a better fit and suggests Dan Campbell would appreciate Pickett’s toughness.
Let’s be honest — he probably would.
Pickett may not be a long-term starter, but he has 25 career starts and is still only 26 years old. He’s not under contract beyond 2025 after the Browns declined his fifth-year option, so he’s a low-risk, short-term play.
If Cleveland’s ready to move on, Detroit could swoop in for cheap — maybe even for a late-round 2026 pick. For the Lions, it’s not about replacing Goff — it’s about adding a proven QB2 in case they ever need him. And for Pickett, it could be the fresh start he needs.
Report: Lions Could Trade for Kenny Pickett to Bolster QB Depth
