Over the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions have been developing Hendon Hooker as their backup quarterback. However, when Jared Goff was briefly sidelined in the playoffs, the team bypassed Hooker in favor of a recently signed veteran.
During Detroit’s divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, Goff suffered a temporary injury, leading the team to call upon Teddy Bridgewater instead. Bridgewater, who had retired after the 2023 season to pursue high school coaching, returned to the Lions late in the season.
This decision has raised questions about Hooker’s future in Detroit, prompting speculation that the Lions might seek another backup option this offseason.
Detroit Could Consider Zach Wilson
Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports proposed that Detroit could explore signing Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick, to compete for the backup role behind Goff in 2025.
“If the Lions aren’t convinced Hooker is their future, Wilson could be a viable candidate to make an impression during training camp,” Payton noted. “Even if they decide to keep Hooker, bringing in Wilson would be a smart move to evaluate his potential in a strong system that has previously developed an MVP-level quarterback.”
Wilson did not play during the 2024 season, sitting behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham on the depth chart. Meanwhile, Hooker had minimal playing time behind the durable Goff, appearing in three games and completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards.
Hooker’s Future Remains Uncertain
Despite the Lions using a third-round pick on Hooker, his role in Detroit remains unclear. His rookie season was largely spent recovering from an ACL tear suffered in college, and in his second year, Goff’s reliability left him with few opportunities to play.
Tim Hasselbeck of ESPN recently suggested that the New York Jets could be a potential landing spot for Hooker, given their ties to Detroit’s former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
“With Glenn now in New York and the uncertainty surrounding Hooker’s future in Detroit, could the Lions consider making him available?” Hasselbeck speculated. “If those familiar with Hooker believe he has the potential to develop into a starting quarterback, the Jets might be interested.”
Reports indicate the Jets plan to move on from Aaron Rodgers this offseason, which could create an opening for Hooker to compete for a backup role behind a new veteran or a high draft pick.
Alternatively, Detroit could use Hooker as a trade asset. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report proposed a scenario where the Lions package Hooker with two first-round picks in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire star pass rusher Maxx Crosby and a 2025 fifth-round selection.
