The Detroit Lions made headlines in late August when they officially waived quarterback Hendon Hooker, their 2023 third-round draft pick. The move ended his brief tenure in Detroit, and head coach Dan Campbell spoke openly about the decision, offering insight into the reasoning behind it and what it means for the Lions going forward.
Campbell began by praising Hooker’s effort and mindset during training camp and the preseason. He noted that the young quarterback “looked calm” and prepared, even though most of his snaps came with backup units instead of the starting offense. Still, Campbell admitted the results on the field didn’t meet expectations. Hooker finished the preseason completing 22 of 40 passes for 187 yards with three interceptions and two lost fumbles—numbers that placed him well behind veteran Kyle Allen in the Lions quarterback competition.
For Campbell, the decision came down to roster construction. With the NFL roster cut deadline looming, the Lions needed to evaluate whether Hooker’s developmental upside justified keeping him over depth at other critical positions. “How much development do you believe there still is?” Campbell asked when speaking about Hooker’s future. “Sometimes the player just needs a change of scenery.”
Those words hinted at more than simple coach-speak. They reflected a tough reality: the Lions are in win-now mode, with Jared Goff entrenched as starter and Allen proving to be a reliable No. 2 option. Keeping a third quarterback who struggled to show growth would have come at the cost of depth along the offensive and defensive lines, areas Campbell consistently emphasizes.
By suggesting Hooker could benefit from a “change of scenery,” Campbell also left the door open for optimism about the young passer’s future elsewhere in the league. His remarks acknowledged Hooker’s professionalism and work ethic while making clear that the Detroit Lions were moving forward with players better suited to help them immediately.
Ultimately, Hooker’s release highlights the brutal competitiveness of the NFL. Draft pedigree offers no guarantees, and preseason performance often dictates roster fate. For Detroit, the move underscores their commitment to surrounding Goff with stability and maintaining balance across the roster as they chase a deep playoff run.
As Hooker looks for his next opportunity, Campbell’s candid response serves as both explanation and reminder: in the NFL, timing, performance, and fit matter as much as raw talent.
