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Hendon Hooker looking to develop with Panthers after Lions release

Originally posted on Side Lion Report | By Caden Handwork | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 3:00 PM ET

After being released by the Detroit Lions last Monday, former Detroit Lions backup quarterback Hendon Hooker has found a new home with the Carolina Panthers. Hooker being released from Detroit was something that many Lions fans saw coming from a mile away after the former Tennessee Volunteers star quarterback struggled in the preseason.

Hooker's recent comments about his new team have caught attention. Hooker is on the Panthers' practice squad and recently spoke about his decision to sign with Carolina.

"I just wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted," Hooker said, via the Panthers team website. "And wanted to develop and learn, and coach told me that he would like me to come learn under him, and we have a great bond from the draft process, just reminiscing on those talks that we had then, I'm eager to learn from him."

Former Lions QB Hendon Hooker wanted to sign with a team where he felt wanted and could develop @KeepBlitzin pic.twitter.com/um3yK2SPfm
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) August 30, 2025

Panthers head coach Dave Canales has been impressed with the arm strength that Hooker has as a quarterback.

"Smooth thrower. A lot of power in his arm. I can tell he's worked on his footwork and his base and fundamentals since college," said Canales. "He looks like he's really dialed into the technique and all that. Again, same thing. It was just an individual period, but I loved what I saw today."

Hooker looks to turn the page in his Lions career with Panthers

Hooker believes that Carolina is a place where he can develop, which is something that he wasn't able to accomplish with the Lions in his two seasons with Detroit. Hooker is set to be in a quarterback room with the Panthers that features backup veteran Andy Dalton and third-year starter Bryce Young.

Hooker went head to head in college multiple times with Young. The most notable matchup between the two came in 2022 when Hooker's Tennessee Volunteers defeated Young and the Alabama Crimson Tide 52-49 in Knoxville. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and cornerback Terrion Arnold also played for the Crimson Tide in that game.

Hooker was drafted by the Lions with the 68th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Tennessee star played in three regular-season games with the Lions, recording 62 passing yards. This preseason, Hooker competed for the backup quarterback position with Kyle Allen and disappointed, throwing for 187 yards and three interceptions.

Now with the Panthers, Hooker is looking for a fresh start and to develop in his NFL career with a new franchise. A change of scenery is good for the young quarterback in hopes of developing at the NFL level. The biggest question is, will he?

This article first appeared on Side Lion Report and was syndicated with permission.

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