Hendon Hooker’s Future with Detroit Lions in Doubt Amid NFL Uncertainty
Hendon Hooker’s professional career with the Detroit Lions is facing uncertainty as his future with the franchise appears increasingly tenuous.
The Tennessee Volunteers have just wrapped up another strong season under head coach Josh Heupel, marking a significant milestone with their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
While the outcome of their playoff run may not have been what fans hoped for, it represented continued progress for the program. This follows a breakthrough 2022 season, when the Vols boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in college football, largely thanks to the stellar play of quarterback Hendon Hooker.
During that standout season, Hooker’s efficiency in the passing game helped elevate Tennessee’s offense to new heights, catching the attention of NFL scouts. As a result, he was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, reports now suggest that Hooker’s spot on the Lions’ roster could be in jeopardy, raising concerns about his future with the team.
After completing his second season with the Lions, Hooker finds himself third on the depth chart, particularly after veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed and moved ahead of him.
This situation became even more apparent when Bridgewater stepped in for Jared Goff during a brief absence in a crucial playoff game. Bridgewater’s promotion to backup signals that Hooker, despite his potential, is being viewed as a distant option for the Lions.
NFL analyst Bill Barnwell, in a recent ESPN piece discussing potential offseason moves for NFL teams, pointed to Hooker as a possible candidate for release.
Barnwell emphasized that, while the Lions do not have major salary cap casualties looming, Hooker’s lack of significant in-game experience is a critical factor.
With only nine career passes to his name in two seasons, and at 27 years old, Hooker is seen as too inexperienced to serve as a reliable backup, while his age makes him less viable as a long-term solution.
The Lions’ recent contract extension of starting quarterback Jared Goff further solidifies the team’s commitment to him as the franchise’s future, leaving little room for Hooker to develop into a starting role.
Despite these challenges, Hooker’s experience and proven talent could still lead to a future in the NFL, though it may not be with the Lions.
His performance in college demonstrated his ability to efficiently run an offense, and while his professional career hasn’t yet provided him with significant playing time, the demand for quarterbacks in the NFL remains high.
Hooker’s blend of athleticism, leadership, and potential could allow him to carve out a spot on another team if the Lions ultimately decide to part ways with him.
As the offseason progresses, Hooker’s path forward will depend on his ability to prove himself in a highly competitive quarterback market. Whether he stays with Detroit or moves to another franchise, his journey is far from over, but it’s clear that the clock is ticking on his opportunity with the Lions.
