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Lions coach confirms suspicion about former Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker's role in Detroit

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated May 13, 2025 5:33 PM ET

When the Detroit Lions selected former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the idea was that the North Carolina native would serve as an affordable backup option to starter Jared Goff.

Hooker, however, is entering his third season with the Lions and his role with the Lions is as murky as ever.

Detroit signed veteran quarterback Kyle Allen, who has started 19 career games, to a free agent deal in March.

The addition of Allen seemingly signaled that the Lions aren't comfortable with the idea of Hooker as the primary backup to Goff (which was assumed after the Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement to serve as Goff's backup in the NFL playoffs last season).

Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell confirmed on Tuesday that the No. 2 quarterback job in Detroit is open, which means Hooker will have to beat out Allen for the job this summer.

Brunell added that Hooker is off to a good start this spring (but as we all know, there's a long way to go until the start of the season).

Lions QBs coach Mark Brunell says the No. 2 QB job is open. Says Hendon Hooker is off to a good start.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) May 13, 2025

Hooker has attempted just nine passes since entering the NFL in 2023. The former Vol, who turned 27 in January, has two years left on his rookie contract with the Lions. Hooker undoubtedly wants to get some action on tape to make himself more appealing to NFL teams when he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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