Hendon Hooker Faces Uncertain Future: Will the Detroit Lions Cut Ties with Their QB Prospect?
Hendon Hooker, the former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, could be looking for a new team this offseason, and recent reports suggest that his time with the Detroit Lions might be coming to an end.
Hooker, selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, hasn’t made much of an impact on the field, with limited playing time and just nine passes attempted in his rookie season.
His situation is further complicated by a significant setback: Hooker was recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in his final season at Tennessee, which kept him out for a good portion of his first year in the NFL.
Despite being drafted with promising potential, Hooker’s path to becoming a starter in Detroit has grown increasingly uncertain.
The Lions’ recent actions seem to underscore their lack of confidence in his development. When Jared Goff, the Lions’ starting quarterback, briefly exited a playoff game against the Washington Commanders in 2024 due to injury, it wasn’t Hooker who took over. Instead, the Lions called upon Teddy Bridgewater, who had retired from professional football after the 2023 season and spent the year coaching high school football in Florida.
Bridgewater’s involvement, rather than Hooker, in such a crucial moment was a telling sign that the Lions don’t view the young QB as a reliable option.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has pointed out that Hooker could be on the chopping block this offseason, with the Lions potentially cutting ties with the quarterback.
While being released could be a tough blow for Hooker, it might ultimately be the best move for his career. At 27 years old, Hooker still has time to find a team that better suits his talents and gives him a real chance to prove himself.
The situation in Detroit may not be ideal for Hooker, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that his future lies elsewhere.
Although Hooker faced challenges in his early career at Tennessee, including losing the starting job to Joe Milton in 2021, his on-field performance when called upon proved that he was more effective in live-game situations.
This “gamer” mentality, where Hooker thrives when the pressure is on, could be one of his strongest assets. However, his inability to translate that performance consistently in practice or during training camp has likely hindered his chances of securing a starting role in the NFL.
Hooker’s best chance at carving out a long-term career in the league may come with a team that recognizes his unique skill set and knows how to leverage his strengths.
While he may not fit the conventional mold of a quarterback who thrives in every practice setting, his game-day poise and playmaking ability have shown that he can perform when it counts. A fresh start in a system that appreciates these qualities could be just what Hooker needs to make his mark in the NFL.
