Lions May Have Already Found Their New Quarterback
The Detroit Lions made a big but expected move on Monday, August 25, by releasing their 2023 third-round pick, Hendon Hooker. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo and NFL insider Jordan Schultz both reported the news
There was a lot of excitement about the Detroit Lions picking Hooker back during the 2023 draft but he never got up to the level that he was at during his final two years with the Tennessee Volunteers. In Tennessee, he threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 68.8% of his passes.
“Hooker lost the preseason battle for the backup quarterback job to veteran Kyle Allen, who outplayed Hooker in the Lions’ four preseason games and was clearly the better choice by the conclusion of their preparatory period,” Nick Shook of the NFL’s site stated in a Monday, August 25 feature. “Lions coach Dan Campbell recently told reporters he felt Hooker could use a change of scenery, suggesting the outcome that became reality Monday.”
So, if Goff goes down and Allen isn’t doing the job, who will the Detroit Lions turn to in a time of need? One name is already popping up more than others.
Welcome to the Detroit Lions (Maybe)
The Lions don’t have a ton of options out there right now to fill Hooker’s shoes, but they felt strong enough about Hooker not fitting the bill that they let him go anyway. So, looking around, a few name are being tossed around but one is getting mentioned the most.
In a piece published on Monday, August 25, Joseph Grassano of Detroit Jock City says the Lions should consider signing rookie QB Kyle McCord following his cut from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Philadelphia Eagles have released both McCord and Dorian Thompson-Robinson over the past few days, but McCord is the one getting attention.
The Eagles didn’t really have a need for McCord, so it was surprising that they drafted him this year. They already have Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. But, McCord is solid, and now, he’s available.
In his piece, Grassano says that “McCord would be a good addition for Detroit. The 22-year-old is a pocket passing quarterback with average mobility and a strong enough arm. After transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior season, McCord threw for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.”
Available Quarterback is Promising at 22 Years Old
A negative, Grassano points out, is that he doesn’t have the mobility of a lot of quarterbacks, but Grassano says that “if developed correctly, he’d seemingly be a great backup and, at some point, replacement for Goff. The veteran quarterback is also not known for his mobility, but he can get it done with his arm.”
In a separate feature for A to Z Sports, Mike Payton also sings McCord’s praises. “McCord is just 22 years old, and he was very accurate at Syracuse,” he states. “The Lions would be a perfect spot for him to grow his game and he’d even get to do it with Jackson Meeks, who was one of his top receivers at Syracuse.”
So, get on it, Brad Holmes. The Detroit Lions need another backup quarterback, not to mention an edge, and now is the time to do it.
