Among the takeaways from Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes’s media availability on Monday is an update on the team’s backup quarterback plans.
Holmes told reporters that former third-round pick Hendon Hooker will be expected to compete with Kyle Allen to win the second-string QB job. Hooker was Jared Goff’s backup all of 2024 until the team brought back Teddy Bridgewater to take on that role in the playoffs.
“I mean, look, we like Hendon,” Holmes said. “He 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 wasn’t ready yet, you know? And he understood that.”
The Lions announced on March 14 that they’d signed Allen to a one-year, $1.27 million contract with $100,000 guaranteed. Detroit is Allen’s fifth team in as many years, having originally joined the league in 2018 with the Panthers.
Hooker played sparingly at the end of the Lions’ blowouts last season, not really shouldering any significant responsibility in any of his appearances. He has two seasons left on his rookie contract.
“Still got high hopes for [Hooker], but nobody’s gonna be given a job either,” Holmes stated. “So if Hendon wants to be the number two quarterback, then win the No. 2 quarterback job.”
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Brad Holmes: Hendon Hooker will need to win the No. 2 QB job over Kyle Allen
Reporting by Ryan Love, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
