As the Detroit Lions gear up for their 2025 season opener against the Green Bay Packers, the team is heading into the matchup with only two quarterbacks on the roster.
Jared Goff, a proven Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most steady signal-callers, remains the unquestioned starter. However, beyond the 30-year-old veteran, Detroit’s quarterback depth is thin — something general manager Brad Holmes openly acknowledged.
Speaking at an August 28 press conference, Holmes admitted the team’s plan at quarterback didn’t go as expected after parting ways with 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker. With Goff and backup Kyle Allen as the only options currently in place, Holmes confirmed the Lions are actively searching for another passer.
“We had something lined up that didn’t materialize,” Holmes explained. “That’s why you try to keep things quiet until it’s official. But we’re still working through it — could be today, could be tomorrow. We will be adding another quarterback.”
Head coach Dan Campbell echoed that message, saying the Lions are targeting a reliable, smart decision-maker under center.
Detroit’s move to release Hooker after just two seasons was described as a tough call, influenced in part by the roster challenges caused by last year’s rash of injuries, which left more than 20 players on injured reserve. Campbell stressed that carrying three quarterbacks can come at the cost of depth at other critical positions.
“If you keep three QBs, you’re giving up depth somewhere else — maybe the O-line, D-line, receiver, or secondary,” Campbell noted. “It’s a tough balance, but that’s the reality.”
With kickoff against the Packers set for Sunday, September 7, the Lions are racing against time to secure another quarterback before the season begins.
