3 NFL teams that should trade for Lions QB Hendon Hooker in the wake of Jared Goff's contract extension

Hooker, a third round selection by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, will be locked into a backup role in Detroit for the foreseeable future as a result of Goff's extension. 

And that's a tough break for the former Vol. 

Hooker is already 26 years old. When he hits free agency in 2027, he'll be 29 years old. If Hooker doesn't get a chance to show what he can do as a starter before hitting free agency, he almost certainly won't receive anything other than offers to be a backup. 

That's why Hooker should hope that he's traded by the Lions this offseason to a situation where he could have a chance to be the starter. 

There are three teams, specifically, that would be ideal fits for Hooker (assuming Detroit is willing to trade Hooker). 

1. New York Giants

The Giants are in quarterback purgatory right now. Daniel Jones isn't "the guy" and rest of the options on New York's roster -- Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Nathan Rourke -- are "meh" at best. 

Giants head coach Brian Daboll is one of the few coaches in the NFL that seems to be on board with Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel's unique up-tempo offense (as evidenced by the numerous Heupel-coached players that Daboll's had on his teams in the NFL, including Lock, Jalin Hyatt, and Gabe Davis). 

Speaking of Jalin Hyatt, who wouldn't love to see a reunion between Hooker and the former Vols wide receiver? The magic Hooker and Hyatt created in Knoxville in 2022 could be recreated in New York. 

2. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers need Bryce Young to take a huge step forward in 2024. If he doesn't, then they have veteran Andy Dalton as a backup option. 

Taking a chance on Hooker, however, could be a wise idea for Carolina. 

Dalton, who turns 37 this fall, obviously isn't a longterm answer in the event that Young proves to be a bust. Hooker, though, could be a potential longterm option for Carolina. Considering Young's slight frame, there should be an opportunity for playing time in Charlotte at the quarterback position at some point in 2024 or 2025. Hooker, who is a native of Greensboro (just a short ride from Charlotte), would be an idea fit for what the Panthers want to do offensively. 

3. Miami Dolphins

There aren't a lot of options in the NFL that provide a clear path to playing time for a quarterback. And there isn't a clear path in Miami....yet. 

Tua Tagovailoa stayed healthy last season, but that hasn't been the norm throughout his career. History suggests that the former Alabama standout will be sidelined at some point. The Dolphins also haven't decided yet if they want to invest in Tua as their longterm answer at quarterback. 

Hooker could be a nice lottery ticket for the Dolphins to acquire. He'd fit in well in Mike McDaniel's scheme. And he'd be reunited with former Vols running back Jaylen Wright, who was drafted by Miami last month.