Developing Hendon Hooker may prove to be a short-term endeavor for the Detroit Lions.
Last year, the Lions used a third-round pick on the talented quarterback, knowing that his rookie season would be cut short while he recovered from a torn ACL. However, during that season, Jared Goff solidified himself as the quarterback of the present and future, getting a large contract extension and reducing Hooker’s route to playing one day.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Lions may cash out now, dealing Hooker in the offseason for a high return rather than watching him sit behind Goff for the next three years.
“The Detroit Lions gave Jared Goff a contract extension this offseason, which pretty much ensures Hooker will be a backup throughout his rookie deal,” Holder wrote. “Trading last year’s third-round pick to a QB-needy team sooner rather than later would allow the front office to maximize its return for him.”
Hendon Hooker’s Stock Could Be High
Holder is not the only analyst who believes the Lions could deal Hooker. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy agreed that the Lions could move on from the former Tennessee quarterback because he was stuck behind Goff with no prospect of moving into a starting job, but he offered a different timetable.
“The Lions drafted him to be a high-upside backup with starting potential if needed, but now that he’s blocked by Goff for the foreseeable future, could a trade down the road be the best way to maximize his value?” Pouncy wrote. “It’s an interesting discussion. Probably not one for the 2024 season, but perhaps when we get deeper into his rookie contract.”
Hooker stock could be high. Former NFL general manager Randy Mueller wrote for The Athletic in October 2023, noting that the Lions were not the only team to award Hooker a high collegiate ranking.
“Last year during my draft prep I saw a QB who, after a full evaluation, I felt was a possible NFL starter,” Mueller wrote. “Hendon Hooker from the University of Tennessee showed me arm talent, good athletic ability, an ability to process and NFL accuracy. He threw with enough timing and anticipation that I ranked him in my top five QBs for the 2023 NFL Draft.”
Hooker spent most of the 2023 season on the reserve list, but returned to the roster for the final stretch and served as emergency quarterback.
