The Detroit Lions haven’t even reached the heart of the offseason yet, but an uncomfortable question is already beginning to surface — did they move too slowly at backup quarterback?
Jared Goff remains the unquestioned starter, and that part of the equation is rock-solid. But behind him, Detroit’s depth chart is thin, unsettled, and increasingly concerning as other teams around the league begin locking in experienced insurance policies.
Why Backup QB Still Matters
The NFL continues to remind teams of an uncomfortable truth: seasons can unravel quickly when a reliable backup isn’t in place.
Detroit learned this lesson firsthand in past years, and while Goff has been durable, durability is never something you gamble on. A competent No. 2 quarterback isn’t about panic — it’s about protection.
Right now, the Lions don’t have much margin for error behind their starter.
Missed Opportunities Are Adding Up
As the offseason opens, veteran quarterbacks are already coming off the board. Each signing elsewhere narrows Detroit’s options and increases the likelihood that the Lions may have to settle later rather than choose confidently now.
That’s where the concern lies — not in one specific decision, but in the lack of urgency.
Waiting too long can turn a manageable need into a reactive scramble.
Development vs. Reliability
Detroit could choose to lean on a young, developmental option. That approach fits Brad Holmes’ long-term vision, but it comes with risk. Developmental quarterbacks are projects — and projects don’t always save seasons.
A steady veteran presence would buy time, protect the offense, and allow Detroit to remain competitive even if the unexpected happens.
Why This Feels Like an Early Test
This isn’t a crisis. It’s a warning.
The Lions are trying to build a roster capable of contending, not just competing. Small oversights — especially at quarterback — can undermine big goals. Backup QB may not dominate headlines, but it often becomes front-page news at the worst possible moment.
Detroit still has time to fix this. But the clock is already ticking.
Too Soon for Regret? Lions’ Backup QB Situation Raising Red Flags
