The Detroit Lions made a quiet but meaningful roster move this week, signing veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard to their practice squad. The addition gives Detroit a third signal-caller in the room, adding extra depth as the two-time defending NFC North champs gear up for Sunday’s season opener against the rival Green Bay Packers.
To make space for Beathard, the Lions released defensive end Isaac Ukwu from the practice squad on Thursday.
While Beathard won’t be pushing Jared Goff or backup Kyle Allen for snaps anytime soon, the signing brings something every NFL contender values: experience. At 31 years old, Beathard has played in 32 games, started 13, and logged time with both the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars. A third-round pick out of Iowa back in 2017, he owns a 3-10 record as a starter, completing 60% of his passes for 3,886 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Beathard didn’t see the field in 2024 but was part of Jacksonville’s quarterback group in 2023, when he started one of seven appearances. For Detroit, that résumé matters. Depth at quarterback is always one play away from becoming the story of a season, and the Lions aren’t taking any chances.
This move isn’t about creating competition at the top of the depth chart—Goff is firmly the starter, and Allen was signed to back him up. Instead, it’s about protection. By bringing in Beathard, Detroit ensures that if the unexpected happens, they won’t be scrambling to add a quarterback midseason.
It’s also a strategic move given the expectations around this team. The Lions are entering 2025 with as much hype as they’ve had in decades. After winning the division two years running, they’re being talked about as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. A thin quarterback room could derail that momentum fast, and adding Beathard is a smart insurance policy.
For now, Beathard will work behind the scenes on the practice squad, but his veteran presence gives Detroit another layer of security as they chase another division crown—and more.
