Lions Trade Hendon Hooker Following Unexpected Injury in Major Projected Move

Normally, breaking news in the NFL quiets down after the first week of free agency, leading into the draft. That’s why the report last Friday about a starting quarterback potentially missing the entire 2025 season took many by surprise. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that may prevent him from playing in 2025.

As a result of Carr’s injury, the Saints are now in need of a starting quarterback in a market with few viable options. While some speculated that New Orleans might target Shedeur Sanders, there’s no certainty that he will be available at the 9th overall pick. Thankfully for the Saints, the Detroit Lions may have a quarterback they’re willing to part with.

Lions Trade Hendon Hooker to the Saints in a Shocking Projected Deal

In this projected trade scenario, the Lions would send quarterback Hendon Hooker along with a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Saints in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick (No. 93) and a 2026 fifth-round pick. This deal would be viewed as a win for Detroit, who has apparently lost faith in Hooker.

When the Lions selected Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, many believed he could eventually succeed Jared Goff as the team’s quarterback. Hooker was still recovering from an ACL injury when he entered the league, but he showed promise. Despite being one of the oldest rookies at 25, he had two solid seasons at Tennessee in 2021 and 2022, completing 68% (435/632) of his passes for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.

The 27-year-old got his first taste of NFL action during the 2024 preseason, where he completed 65% of his passes for 300 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in three appearances. Although his stats were respectable, Detroit decided to bring in veteran quarterback Kyle Allen this offseason. With Allen’s experience, it seems unlikely Hooker will win the starting job.

Thus, trading Hooker to the Saints for a return would be seen as a positive move for the Lions. For New Orleans, acquiring Hooker would give them an alternative to relying on Spencer Rattler again. Last season, Rattler struggled with a completion rate of just 57% (130/228), throwing for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions, while going winless in six starts.

While there’s no certainty Hooker will outperform Rattler, this trade presents a relatively low-risk opportunity for both sides. Regardless of whether Hooker stays with Detroit for the 2025 season, it will be intriguing to see where his future with the team leads.