The Detroit Lions have one of the best quarterback situations in the NFC with Jared Goff offering incredible upside. As long as the veteran quarterback remains healthy, there is reason to believe the Lions are the favorites in the NFC. The Lions do lack upside behind Goff, with Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen competing for the backup roles.
If Detroit doesn't add to the position, it seems probable Hooker will be the primary backup with Allen as the emergency option. It is solid depth, but could be improved if the right player is cut at the end of the preseason.
One recent depth option for Detroit has found himself in an elevated position as well after Will Levis opted to undergo season-ending surgery. Levis had a right shoulder injury that wasn't making the needed progress, forcing the quarterback to have the surgery just as camp and the preseason are nearing.
With this in mind, the Titans were forced to elevate two backup options a spot further up the depth chart. This included former Detroit quarterback Tim Boyle, who spent parts of the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the franchise.
Former Lions Quarterback Tim Boyle Elevated to New Role
Titans QB Will Levis will be undergoing season-ending surgery on the right shoulder injury he sustained early last year before further aggravating it later in the season. Levis has been unable to shake the discomfort and his shoulder still is bothering him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2025
Levis is, in the… pic.twitter.com/FPV8g5GhUi
Levis being out for the year locks Boyle into a roster spot, allowing the veteran to either back up rookie Cam Ward or become the emergency third option. Boyle will be competing with Kyle Allen for the backup role behind the new Titans addition. Ward is expected to need time to push the Titans back into relevance with a roster still struggling to attract talent.
For the Titans to turn the corner, Ward must be a franchise answer able to attract free agents, as the team has been unable to land the past three seasons. Regardless, this serves as a chance for Boyle to continue an underwhelming career. The quarterback sticking in the league despite offering so little production is, in some ways, impressive.
The Lions have no regrets parting ways with Boyle, with Hooker offering far more upside. However, it is an enjoyable story to watch the underwhelming quarterback continue to find a career path despite the consistent struggles.