For the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions have been lucky to avoid injuries at the most critical position in the NFL: the quarterback position.
For the past two seasons, quarterback Jared Goff has started every game for the team, providing them with a reliable presence in the pocket. But with Teddy Bridgewater as a veteran backup last season, the team made a smart investment.
After taking over as head coach at Miami Northwestern High School in 2023, Bridgewater declared his intention to retire, so the Lions will be considering their choices in 2024 behind QB Ryan.
Hendon Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick who spent the majority of the season recovering from a knee injury sustained in college, is the obvious choice to answer this question. He looks set to advance and serve as the backup the following season.
But the Lions might also look to compete with Hooker in 2024 by bringing in another veteran option.
The Lions may seek any of these five quarterbacks in the upcoming free agent class.
Despite having an excellent career spanning 11 NFL seasons, Tannehill seems to be in transition after the Titans benched him in favour of Will Levis at the end of the season. Since Levis is thought to be the quarterback of the future, the veteran is no longer needed.
Tannehill has 151 starts in his career and has qualified for the postseason in four of his seasons. In eight starts in 2023, he only managed four touchdown passes against seven interceptions, indicating a decline in his output.
Tannehill is an excellent backup quarterback option for the Lions if they’re searching. He might, meanwhile, be keeping an eye out for chances to contend for starting positions elsewhere in the league.
Dobbs Joshua
During the first part of the season, Dobbs was among the league’s greatest tales. When Kirk Cousins sustained a season-ending Achilles injury, he was traded to the Vikings and assumed the starting role for the Cardinals in Kyler Murray’s absence.
