NFL Analyst Sparks Debate Suggesting Detroit Lions Should Prioritize Trading for Will Levis Instead of Relying on Hendon Hooker

The Detroit Lions are coming off one of their most promising seasons in decades, with head coach Dan Campbell building a true contender in the NFC. After an appearance in the NFC Championship Game and a roster brimming with young talent, expectations have never been higher in Detroit. Yet, the quarterback situation behind Jared Goff continues to generate speculation, and the latest suggestion from an NFL analyst is igniting heated debate among Lions fans and pundits alike.

Speaking during a national radio appearance on Tuesday, veteran analyst Daniel Thomason made waves when he proposed the Lions should consider pursuing Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis as a future successor to Goff — instead of banking on Hendon Hooker, Detroit’s third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft.

It’s a bold statement given the Lions’ investment in Hooker and the flashes he’s shown in offseason programs. But Thomason believes the Lions’ championship window is too valuable to gamble on developmental uncertainty.

“Look, Jared Goff is a great story and the Lions are rolling right now, but smart teams always think two steps ahead,” Thomason explained. “Detroit’s got a stacked roster, an elite offensive line, great weapons — but I’m not sold Hendon Hooker is the answer when Goff’s deal runs out. Will Levis? That’s a kid with real tools who’s already got NFL experience under his belt.”

Levis, a second-round pick by the Titans in 2023, took over Tennessee’s starting role midway through last season and showed flashes of promise. With a cannon arm, prototypical size, and mobility, Levis possesses many of the physical traits NFL teams covet. However, his rookie campaign was inconsistent, marked by growing pains typical of a young quarterback adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

Despite those ups and downs, Thomason believes Levis’ ceiling surpasses what Detroit currently has behind Goff.

“Hendon Hooker was a phenomenal college player, don’t get me wrong,” Thomason clarified. “But he’s already 26, coming off a major knee injury, and we haven’t seen him play meaningful snaps yet. I just don’t know if the Lions should be betting on that. You’ve got a window to win Super Bowls — Will Levis brings more upside to the table long term.”

Naturally, Thomason’s comments triggered mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. The Lions organization has consistently expressed confidence in Hooker, who has been developing behind the scenes while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during his final season at Tennessee. Detroit brass have emphasized their patience with Hooker, viewing him as a potential future starter, but without the pressure to rush his development.

In fact, Hooker’s progression throughout OTAs and minicamp this offseason has drawn praise from Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Both have pointed to his football IQ, maturity, and steady improvement as reasons for optimism, reinforcing the belief that the Lions’ quarterback room is in a good place.

Nevertheless, Thomason’s suggestion taps into a lingering question that continues to hover over the Lions’ long-term outlook — what happens after Jared Goff?

Goff, entering the 2025 season at 30 years old, has redefined his career in Detroit. After a rocky departure from the Rams, Goff found new life with the Lions, leading an explosive offense and guiding the team to playoff success. His connection with star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, along with the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs and a rugged offensive line, has fueled Detroit’s rise to prominence.

But Goff’s contract situation adds a layer of complexity. The Lions extended Goff in 2024, but the deal was structured to provide future flexibility. That opens the door for potential succession planning — whether through the draft, trades, or developing players like Hooker.

In that context, Thomason argues Detroit should be proactive rather than reactive.

“Teams that wait too long to solve the quarterback puzzle always regret it,” Thomason warned. “You’ve got the roster; you’ve got momentum. Don’t wait until Goff hits free agency or declines to start scrambling.”

Trading for Levis, however, would come with significant hurdles. The Titans have invested considerable resources in the young quarterback, and while their overall direction under new head coach Brian Callahan remains fluid, there’s no clear indication Tennessee is looking to part ways with Levis.

Acquiring him would likely require a substantial trade package, possibly including high draft picks or proven players — a price that some argue isn’t justified given the Lions’ existing faith in Hooker.

Former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky, now an ESPN analyst, pushed back against Thomason’s viewpoint on Wednesday, defending the team’s current approach.

“Hendon Hooker has all the tools you look for,” Orlovsky contended. “He was a Heisman candidate before the injury, accurate, smart, mobile — Detroit has been wise to let him develop at his pace. The idea of trading assets for Will Levis when you’ve got a talented player like Hooker already in-house? That doesn’t add up for me.”

It’s worth noting that Hooker’s college production at Tennessee was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions over his final two seasons, demonstrating exceptional decision-making, deep-ball accuracy, and poise under pressure. Despite his injury setback, many scouts believed Hooker possessed starting-caliber traits for the NFL.

Moreover, the Lions have cultivated a strong locker room culture built on continuity and internal development — qualities that align with giving Hooker a legitimate shot when the time comes.

Still, the quarterback position carries immense weight, and organizations with championship aspirations often explore every avenue to secure their future.

For now, the Lions remain steadfast in their plan, with Goff entrenched as the starter and Hooker continuing his progression as a developmental option. But with bold takes like Thomason’s stirring conversation, the debate over Detroit’s long-term quarterback strategy isn’t going away.

General manager Brad Holmes has earned league-wide praise for his roster-building prowess, finding impact players through the draft and savvy trades. Whether he considers a move for someone like Levis — or sticks to the plan with Hooker — remains to be seen.

Ultimately, the Lions are navigating the rare territory of being true contenders, balancing present success with future sustainability. The quarterback question is central to that equation, and while the idea of targeting Will Levis may be controversial, it underscores the reality that in today’s NFL, securing the right successor at quarterback can define a franchise’s fate for years to come.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will remain on Goff’s leadership, Hooker’s development, and the swirling speculation fueled by outside voices. Whether Detroit’s next chapter under center is already on the roster or still to be determined — one thing is clear — the Lions’ future hinges on getting it right.