Lions Want Hendon Hooker to Earn A Job.
Hooker had a sluggish start in the NFL, spending the majority of his rookie season recovering a ruptured ACL that ended his final season at Tennessee.
Hooker returned to full health for the 2024 season but struggled to maintain the backup position, finally losing out to veteran Teddy Bridgewater after he came out of retirement.
The Lions signed another veteran this summer, Kyle Allen, and Lions general manager Brad Holmes stated that they want to see Hooker compete for the job.
“I mean, look, we like Hendon,” Holmes told USA Today’s Lions Wire. “He suffered an injury the first year, and last year was the first time he was able to participate in a complete training camp and season.
And then we brought Teddy Bridgewater in because we were preparing for the playoffs and postseason, and he wasn’t quite ready, you know? And he recognized that.”
If Allen outperforms Hooker this summer, the Lions may opt to trade the once-highly rated quarterback rather than keep him at No. 3 or on the practice squad. Some pundits have previously suggested the possibility, with Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder forecasting last year that the Lions could try to move Hooker to recoup some value.
“The Detroit Lions gave Jared Goff a contract extension this offseason, which pretty much ensures Hooker will be a backup throughout his rookie deal,” Holder told reporters. “Trading last year’s third-round pick to a QB-needy team sooner rather than later would allow the front office to maximize its return for him.”
Lions are high on Kyle Allen.
The Lions appear to be OK with Allen serving as Goff’s backup if required. Unlike Hooker, who only participated in three games, Allen has substantial NFL starting experience. He started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2019 and has made 19 NFL starts, completing 62.7% of his throws for 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
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