One Unconvincing Season Was All It Took for the Lions to Shockingly Let Go of QB Hendon Hooker

In a surprising yet anticipated move, the Detroit Lions have officially released quarterback Hendon Hooker, the 2023 third-round draft pick who struggled throughout the preseason and failed to cement his place as the backup quarterback. Hooker, once hailed as a promising talent coming off a successful college career at Tennessee, found the transition to the NFL more challenging than expected, hindered further by a prior ACL injury.

Throughout the preseason, Hooker’s performances were marked by inconsistency, with a stat line of 187 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions across four exhibition games. His inability to effectively execute the Lions’ offense and frequent turnovers raised doubts about his developmental trajectory. Meanwhile, veteran Kyle Allen outperformed him in the backup quarterback competition, ultimately earning the backup role behind starter Jared Goff.

Head coach Dan Campbell hinted at Hooker benefiting from a change of scenery, emphasizing that sometimes players need new environments to grow and succeed. The Lions, focused on building depth in other key positions, decided that retaining Hooker was no longer the best option for the team’s future.

Selected 68th overall from Tennessee, Hooker’s NFL journey seemed promising due to his outstanding college record, including being the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. However, the different offensive style in the NFL, his limited preparation time during rookie season due to injury, and inconsistent preseason play limited his impact.

While Hooker’s time in Detroit has ended, the quarterback remains a talented athlete with potential. His next steps in the league will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as many wonder if a new team and fresh start could unlock the abilities that made him a notable college star.

For the Detroit Lions, this move sharpens their focus on immediate competitiveness with a veteran backup quarterback, while giving Hooker the chance to find an environment better suited to his growth and aspirations.