The Detroit Lions are holding an open competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot this summer, and a frontrunner may have already emerged.
The Lions made a big investment in quarterback Hendon Hooker in 2023, using a third-round pick to land him despite an injury that would keep him out most of his rookie season and a resurgent Jared Goff ahead of him on the roster. But Hooker failed to solidify his spot as the backup and now could face a challenge just to keep a spot on the roster.
Kyle Allen Pulls Ahead in QB Race
The Lions brought on veteran quarterback Kyle Allen, who has split time with Hooker this summer. After Allen started and struggled in the Hall of Fame game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he came into this week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons just before halftime and immediately led the team on a touchdown drive.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared praise for the poise that Allen showed.
“I thought Kyle played really well,” Campbell said, via USA Today’s Lions Wire. “I was fired up. That was outstanding.”
Hooker had struggled after starting the game, losing two fumbles and completing 7-of-10 passes but only racking up 38 passing yards. Campbell said Allen gave the team a boost after he was inserted just before halftime, earlier than the team had originally planned.
“He gets out there and immediately gives us a boost,” Campbell said. “Runs the offense, makes two huge throws in the first drive.”
Even though Hooker has been with the team for longer, Allen showed greater poise in running the offense. Campbell said he was able to make all of the plays — both big and small — to put his team in position to win.
âMan, I thought he was on point with the checks, the kills, motion landmarks, the whole thing. He operated the offense at a high level and made big-time throws, so I was fired up,” Campbell said.
What’s Next for Hendon Hooker?
If Allen remains ahead of Hooker in this summer’s competition, it’s unclear what the Lions would do with their former third-round pick. Allen has more starting experience in the NFL, having started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2019 and 19 starts overall, but Hooker could have some value on the trade market.
Reporter Mike Payton of AtoZSports suggested the Lions could put Hooker on the trade block, noting that the New Orleans Saints are in need of some help at quarterback.
The Lions have already sent something of a warning to Hooker, with general manager Brad Holmes saying earlier in the offseason that he would not be handed the No. 2 job and would need to beat out Allen for the job.
âI mean, look, we like Hendon,â Holmes said, via USA Todayâs Lions Wire. âHe had the injury that first year, then last year that was the first year that he kind of was able to do a full year of training camp and during the season. And then we brought Teddy Bridgewater in just because we were gearing up for the playoffs and postseason and he just wasnât ready yet, you know? And he understood that.â
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