Jared Goff remains the unquestioned starter in Detroit, but the pecking order behind him is far from clear. After losing his No. 2 role to Teddy Bridgewater late in 2024, Hendon Hooker’s development has raised some eyebrows — and Detroit has since brought in veteran Kyle Allen for added depth.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hooker was seen as a long-term project. But with the Lions seemingly unsure of his trajectory, they may be considering other developmental quarterbacks, especially if Goff’s postseason struggles continue.
Enter Will Levis. Drafted just ahead of Hooker in 2023, the Tennessee Titans quarterback could become expendable if Tennessee moves forward with drafting Cam Ward. That has led Easton Freeze of AtoZ Sports to suggest Detroit should explore a trade for the former Kentucky star.
“Why not take a shot?” Freeze asked. “Goff has won over the city, but he’s not getting any younger. And the rest of the QB room is in disarray. There’s Hooker, who hasn’t won many fans in Detroit. Then there’s Allen and Jake Fromm, both on cheap deals and easily replaceable.”
Despite a rocky 2024 season plagued by turnovers, Levis has shown he has the raw tools to succeed in the league. A change of scenery — especially to a more stable franchise — might help unlock his full potential.
The Lions might only need to offer a late-round draft pick to get him, adding another body to the quarterback competition that includes Hooker, Allen, and Fromm. Another idea: propose a straight-up swap of Hooker for Levis, which could interest the Titans if they want a younger backup to mold.
With Detroit eyeing another deep playoff push in 2025, securing a trustworthy backup in case Goff misses time is a top priority. If the current options don’t inspire confidence, it’s only logical for the front office to look elsewhere.
