Lions Urged to Explore QB Trade with Eagles as Competition Nears Conclusion
The Detroit Lions are finalizing roster decisions as the regular season approaches, and the backup quarterback battle seems nearly settled. Kyle Allen has taken the lead over Hendon Hooker, leaving Hooker’s future with the team uncertain.
Head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged Allen’s edge after recent preseason play. “He’s playing better,” Campbell told NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack, while adding that the staff would continue working with Hooker to see if improvement is possible.
Even so, Campbell’s comments suggest the Lions could be preparing to move on, which may attract attention from other teams in need of quarterback depth — including the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia has Jalen Hurts entrenched as the starter and Tanner McKee as the main backup, but the No. 3 quarterback spot is unsettled after shaky preseason outings from Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord. Thompson-Robinson struggled with poor decision-making, including a turnover returned for a touchdown, while McCord played conservatively with limited downfield attempts.
With Hurts often absorbing heavy hits in short-yardage situations, the Eagles place extra value on having a reliable third quarterback. That makes Hooker an intriguing trade option.
Drafted in the third round in 2023, Hooker arrived with impressive college credentials — 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in his final two seasons at Tennessee. However, an ACL injury delayed his development, and he finished last year behind veteran Teddy Bridgewater. Despite Allen’s inconsistency early in preseason, Hooker has not capitalized, and after three years with little visible progress, Detroit may decide it’s time to part ways.
Trading Hooker to Philadelphia could benefit both sides: the Eagles would gain stability at a critical depth spot, while the Lions could preserve another roster piece rather than losing Hooker without compensation.
As roster cuts loom, Detroit’s front office has a decision to make — continue investing in Hooker’s potential or strike a deal with a rival before his value slips further.
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