Could Trey Lance Be the Future Backup Quarterback for the Detroit Lions?

Hendon Hooker’s Future in Question

If you’ve been following what the Detroit Lions have been saying and doing, it’s hard not to question their confidence in Hendon Hooker as their long-term backup quarterback. The signs point to the team exploring other options, whether for a new backup or even a potential future starter. One name that immediately stands out is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance.

A Familiar Coaching Connection

One of the biggest reasons Lance makes sense for Detroit is the reported hiring of Iowa State assistant head coach Tyler Roehl to the Lions’ coaching staff. Before joining Iowa State, Roehl was the offensive coordinator at North Dakota State, where he worked closely with Lance for three seasons. Together, they won two FCS National Championships, with Roehl playing a key role in developing Lance into a top NFL prospect.

At just 24 years old, Lance still has time to turn his career around. Under the guidance of Roehl, along with quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell and head coach Dan Campbell, he could regain the form that once made him the third overall pick in the NFL Draft. Even if he doesn’t become a star, he could at least develop into a solid backup, which is exactly what the Lions need.

Previous Interest from Detroit

Another reason this move makes sense is that the Lions have already shown interest in Lance in the past. In September 2023, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Detroit was one of the teams interested in trading for Lance when the San Francisco 49ers made him available. While Lions GM Brad Holmes later stated that he never called the 49ers, he never denied that the team had interest in acquiring the young quarterback.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

Now that Lance is heading into free agency, the Lions could have another opportunity to bring him in. Finding a young quarterback with upside is always a challenge, but Detroit has two options: draft a rookie or sign an affordable reclamation project. Lance falls into the second category. Given his connection to Roehl and his untapped potential, he could be worth a serious look.

For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having a capable backup quarterback is crucial. The Lions don’t necessarily need a long-term starter right now, but adding a player like Lance—someone who already has chemistry with a key member of the coaching staff—could be a smart move. At the very least, Detroit should do their due diligence on this intriguing opportunity.