By Blessing 
Lions Quarterback Faces Make-or-Break Season Amid Roster Uncertainty
Even with their recent success, the Detroit Lions enter the new NFL season with a few looming uncertainties — and one of those involves the quarterback depth chart. While the team has made impressive strides, that doesn’t mean everyone’s job is safe. As the Lions gear up for what promises to be a tough 2025-26 campaign, the pressure is building for certain players, especially at the quarterback position.
NFL rosters evolve constantly due to injuries, contracts, and shifting team needs. And even solid contributors can find themselves on the outs. Detroit fans shouldn’t be too shocked if some familiar names are no longer around by mid-season.
The Lions have already reshuffled some pieces during the offseason — parting ways with certain players and welcoming new ones. But one particular offseason move is drawing attention for what it hasn’t yet produced: a clear backup quarterback.
Backup Battle Brewing in Detroit
With rookie camp kicking off July 16 and veterans arriving July 19, all eyes are on who will step up behind starting quarterback Jared Goff. Goff’s status as QB1 is locked in, but the competition for the QB2 role is heating up — and the reviews so far aren’t reassuring.
Detroit brought in veteran Kyle Allen to compete for the backup job. However, according to Cem Yolbulan of Detroit Jock City, Allen “hasn’t proven that he is QB2 material so far this offseason, leaving him with a ton to prove in training camp.”
Yolbulan also notes that the Lions were “hoping for Hendon Hooker to emerge as the surefire backup quarterback behind Goff.” But Hooker, still recovering from injury, hasn’t quite seized the opportunity. That leaves Detroit with no clear-cut option behind their starter — a risky spot for any NFL team.
“Not Promising” Signs at OTAs
Yolbulan didn’t mince words when describing the team’s offseason practices. “Early results from OTAs, however, were not promising,” he said. “Neither player reportedly flashed, leaving the backup quarterback spot still up for grabs.”
Fortunately, Detroit hasn’t had to rely on a backup for an extended period, thanks to Goff’s durability. But in the NFL, that kind of luck doesn’t last forever — and Detroit knows it.
That’s why Kyle Allen’s performance in the coming weeks could be pivotal. “The 29-year-old signal caller has significantly more experience than Hooker, starting in 19 games in his NFL career,” Yolbulan explains. “He has had solid stretches early in his career, but flamed out and fell out of favor over the last few seasons.”
Now, the veteran finds himself in a pressure cooker. If Allen can’t prove himself soon, the Lions may need to search elsewhere for a reliable backup.
It’s a critical moment in the team’s quarterback situation. With Goff set as the starter, the real battle lies just behind him — and right now, the outcome is anything but clear.