Detroit Lions Open Up Quarterback Competition, Tennessee Star Hendon Hooker Battling to Unseat Jared Goff Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

The quarterback situation in Detroit has taken a dramatic turn this offseason. With OTAs and training camp just around the corner, the Detroit Lions have officially opened up their quarterback room to competition, and all eyes are on former Tennessee Volunteers standout Hendon Hooker. Once viewed as a developmental prospect coming off an ACL injury, Hooker now finds himself in a prime position to challenge veteran starter Jared Goff for the keys to one of the NFL’s most intriguing offenses.

After an NFC Championship Game appearance in the 2024 season, expectations are sky-high in Detroit. Goff, the former No. 1 overall pick, played admirably throughout the season and postseason, leading a dynamic Lions offense with poise and accuracy. However, Goff’s limitations—namely his mobility and the ceiling of his arm talent—are not lost on the coaching staff. Dan Campbell, Brad Holmes, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have remained steadfast in their support of Goff publicly, but actions often speak louder than words. Opening up a quarterback battle—especially one involving a young and unproven player—sends a clear message: the Lions are not settling.

Hendon Hooker was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, largely with the future in mind. At the time, Hooker was recovering from a torn ACL that prematurely ended what had been a Heisman-worthy season at Tennessee. Known for his deep-ball accuracy, command of tempo, and exceptional decision-making in Josh Heupel’s uptempo spread system, Hooker lit up SEC defenses and became a household name in college football. But the transition to the NFL is rarely seamless—especially for quarterbacks coming from systems with simplified reads and wide-open windows.

That said, Hooker has quietly impressed throughout his recovery and development process. According to team sources and insiders close to the Lions’ quarterback room, Hooker has been putting in extensive hours at the facility, earning the respect of both veterans and coaches. “He’s attacking every rep like it’s a game snap,” one team staffer said. “There’s a fire in him, and everyone sees it.” Though he didn’t play a single down in his rookie year, the Lions liked what they saw in his mental approach, film study, and progression through scout team work.

Now, with a full offseason to prepare and his knee fully healthy, Hooker is ready to make his case. During early voluntary workouts, he has shown flashes of the dynamic playmaker that torched Alabama and LSU in college. The ball jumps out of his hand with more velocity than Goff’s, and his ability to make throws off-platform or extend plays with his legs offers a new dimension that Detroit’s offense hasn’t had under center in years. In short, Hooker brings a dose of athleticism and modern flair that could elevate the Lions’ offensive ceiling.

Jared Goff, of course, is no stranger to competition or adversity. After being traded from the Rams to the Lions in 2021, Goff was widely viewed as a bridge quarterback—a placeholder while Detroit rebuilt. But Goff responded by embracing the leadership role and outperforming expectations. Over the past two seasons, he’s thrown for over 9,000 yards with 59 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions. Under Ben Johnson’s guidance, Goff has flourished in a system that emphasizes timing, rhythm, and intermediate accuracy. He’s become a stabilizing force for the Lions and one of the most respected voices in the locker room.

But even Goff knows the NFL is a business, and competition is inevitable. His current contract runs through the 2025 season, but the guaranteed money significantly drops after this year, making him a potential trade or release candidate in 2026. If Hooker shows legitimate growth and flashes starter potential during camp, the Lions will have a decision to make. Do they ride with the veteran who has brought them back to relevance, or do they pivot toward the younger, cheaper, and more physically gifted option?

Dan Campbell addressed the situation in a recent press conference, acknowledging the open competition while remaining diplomatic. “We love what Jared’s done for this team. He’s been a leader and a winner for us,” Campbell said. “But we also believe in giving every guy a chance to earn their spot. Hendon’s worked his tail off. We’re gonna let the best man win.” The comment was vintage Campbell—gritty, honest, and loaded with subtext.

From a schematic standpoint, Hooker’s rise would open up new creative avenues for Ben Johnson. With a quarterback who can bootleg, scramble, and threaten defenses downfield with both his arm and legs, the Lions could add more run-pass options, read-option looks, and vertical route combinations that put pressure on the back end. This could be especially effective given the weapons Detroit boasts—Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot, Jameson Williams as a deep threat, Sam LaPorta at tight end, and a two-headed backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Still, Hooker has a steep learning curve ahead. Transitioning from a spread offense to the Lions’ pro-style system requires mastery of footwork, terminology, and timing with receivers. NFL defenses are faster and more complex, disguising coverages that would never show up on an SEC Saturday. For Hooker to win the job, he’ll need to prove not just that he can make throws, but that he can make them under pressure, on time, and in the face of disguised blitzes and exotic coverages.

There’s also the matter of intangibles. Goff’s leadership, calm demeanor, and chemistry with the offensive line and receiving corps have created a trusted rhythm that’s difficult to replace. Chemistry isn’t built overnight, and for all of Hooker’s potential, he has yet to develop the same rapport with key veterans. But that’s what the offseason is for, and Hooker appears to be capitalizing on every opportunity to close the gap.

NFL quarterback competitions often divide fan bases, and this one will be no different. Some fans are firmly behind Goff, citing his experience and steady hand. Others see Hooker as the future and believe the sooner the team hands him the reins, the higher the upside. There’s a growing chorus of voices who believe Detroit should consider starting Hooker as early as Week 1 if he outperforms Goff in training camp, much like the Kansas City Chiefs did when transitioning from Alex Smith to Patrick Mahomes—albeit under very different circumstances.

Financially, starting Hooker could offer the Lions long-term flexibility. If he proves capable, Detroit could potentially move on from Goff’s contract after this season, saving cap space that could be reinvested into the defense or offensive line. That type of flexibility is golden for teams that want to sustain success, particularly with young stars like St. Brown and Gibbs eventually due for extensions.

It’s still early, and much will be determined between now and the preseason games. Goff remains the incumbent and will likely take the first-team reps to start camp. But Hooker is knocking at the door—and from all accounts inside the Lions’ facility, that knock is getting louder by the day.

The Lions aren’t just building a team—they’re building a culture. A culture rooted in competition, accountability, and an unrelenting drive to improve. Opening up the quarterback competition is a reflection of that ethos. It’s not about comfort or sentimentality—it’s about putting the best product on the field and doing whatever it takes to win a Super Bowl.

For Hendon Hooker, the message is clear: the opportunity is here. It’s time to seize it. For Jared Goff, it’s a reminder that nothing in the NFL is guaranteed—not even your starting job after nearly taking your team to the Super Bowl. And for the Detroit Lions, it’s a signal that this franchise isn’t satisfied with just being good. They want to be great. The quarterback who gives them the best chance to get there will earn the job. The competition begins now.