Six Backup Quarterbacks Detroit Lions Could Target

The Detroit Lions are in the market for a new backup quarterback.

Kyle Allen, who held the role behind starter Jared Goff for the duration of the 2025 season after a strong training camp, has elected to depart for the upcoming campaign. On the first day of the NFL's legal tampering period, the veteran signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

Now, the Lions will need to find a new backup for Goff. Last year, Allen beat out 2023 third-round pick Hendon Hooker for the job. Goff is the only quarterback on roster for the Lions at this time, though free agency offers the team a chance to add to the room.

Additionally, the team could use one of its draft picks on a young signal caller to develop behind Goff this year.

Here are six quarterbacks the Lions could target as the next backup for Jared Goff after Allen's departure.

Free agency

Teddy Bridgewater

Bridgewater is a natural candidate to return to Detroit, as he has spent parts of two seasons playing for Dan Campbell. He was the backup for the entire 2023 season, then exited retirement to join the team late in the 2024 campaign after leading Miami Northwestern High School to a state championship.

After a coaching suspension, Bridgewater returned to the NFL in 2025 and suited up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Still just 33 years old, Bridgewater remains a viable backup quarterback candidate for teams in the market around the league. Last year with Tampa, Brigewater completed 8-of-15 passes for 62 yards across four appearances.

With Allen off to Buffalo, perhaps Campbell reaches out to see if there's any potential for another Motown reunion with the well-respected signal-caller.

Tyrod Taylor

Taylor is another well-versed backup quarterback who has spent time across the league in different schemes. Across his 15 years in the NFL, Taylor has suited up for seven different teams and has appeared in 100 total games.

Most recently, Taylor was with the New York Jets where he appeared in six games and made four starts. All told, Taylor completed 80-of-134 passes for 779 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. He has a wealth of experience and has been plenty productive when called upon to start.

Like Bridgewater, Taylor would have a lot of value as a mentor even if the Lions were to add another quarterback in the draft. Taylor also has a tie to new Lions passing game coordinator Mike Kafka, as Taylor was with the New York Giants during Kafka's first two seasons as offensive coordinator.

C.J. Beathard

Even after establishing Allen as the backup quarterback, the Lions went and signed Beathard to the practice squad. He remained there the entire season, and could be a candidate to return to the organization for the fall and compete for the backup job this season.

Beathard last appeared in a game in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars but has been in quarterback rooms with the Dolphins, Jaguars and most recently the Lions since then. He has made 32 appearances and 13 starts in his career, including starting five games in each of his first two seasons.

With experience playing under Campbell, Mike McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan, Beathard has a wealth of time spent working in some of the best offensive schemes in the league and would be another solid veteran voice to continue working with Goff.