Lions give major update on the Lions' search for a third-string quarterback

The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 season in a situation that quite unique at this point . The Lions currently only have two active quarterbacks on their depth chart with starter Jared Goff and backup Kyle Allen.

This comes after the Lions recently released former quarterback Hendon Hooker when Allen won the QB2 position. Hooker has since joined the Carolina Panthers practice squad. With that being said, the Lions are actively pursuing a third quarterback to add to their depth chart before the start of the regular season.

During general manager Brad Holmes' tenure with the Lions, Detroit has had three quarterbacks in its room. With injuries a high risk in the NFL, the Lions have even submitted a rule that would make it easier for teams to have access to an emergency quarterback in a game-day situation. Holmes recently spoke on the Lions' efforts to add a third quarterback to their roster.

Holmes, Campbell touch on preference for experienced QB3

"I thought we had another plan in place that didn't happen; it fell through. So that's why you've got to just keep things close to his vest, because you never know until it happens," Holmes said. "But we're still working through actively. It could happen today, it could happen tomorrow. We will add another quarterback."

Lions coach Dan Campbell also weighed in on Detroit's search for a third-string quarterback and the type of player they are looking for at the QB position.

"We're looking for somebody, that if we need them, we know they can run the show," Campbell said. "They can run the offense, they can process the information more than, can we find a guy to develop that's unknown, all of those. I'd rather have a guy, somebody that certainly if we're familiar with or somebody you just know they get in the game, they're going to get you in the right play, be smart with the football, and all of those things."

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So, who does that leave to be the Lions' third-string quarterback? The Lions have made it clear that they prefer a veteran quarterback who can lead an NFL offense. Some candidates that fill that criteria include former Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld and Tim Boyle, or other non-Detroit QBs such as John Wolford, Taylor Heinicke, and Mike White.

A majority of Lions fans most likely wouldn't be in favor of bringing back Sudfeld and Boyle. Wolford and White would be good selections, but the best option is clearly Heinicke with his NFL experience.

Heinicke has a proven track record as an NFL quarterback and has been a starter. Heinicke has appeared in 42 games with five different NFL teams, recording 6,663 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He is clearly the most experienced out of the quarterbacks that fit the Lions' criteria for the third-string position.