When the Detroit Lions signed Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement to serve as the franchise’s backup quarterback in the NFL playoffs last season, it pushed former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker to the No. 3 quarterback role.

That move, combined with the Lions’ decision to sign veteran quarterback Kyle Allen to a free agent deal earlier this month, seemed to indicate that Detroit is preparing to move on from Hooker.

Allen’s contract with the Lions is a one-year deal worth $1.17 million with just $100,000 in guaranteed money. That’s not much of a commitment from Detroit. And it certainly isn’t a deal that guarantees that Allen, who has 19 career NFL starts under his belt, will serve as the primary backup to Jared Goff in 2025.

In fact, Allen will likely be fighting for a roster spot during training camp.

Maybe the Lions just didn’t think Hooker was ready to see action in the playoffs last season and they decided to roll with the experience of Bridgewater instead. Maybe they still believe he can be a viable backup quarterback in the NFL.

Detroit’s actions, and not their words, will show us how they truly feel about Hooker in 2025. But based on Allen’s deal with the Lions, it may be premature to suggest that the Lions are eager to move on from Hooker.

Hooker, a third round selection by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, is already 27 years old. He’s anxious to hit the field and show what he can do. This is an extremely important offseason for the former Vol. If Hooker can lock down the primary backup job during training camp, he could put himself in a nice position to capitalize in the event that Goff is forced to miss time due to injury.