Training camps are underway around the NFL, and the Detroit Lions have spent nearly the last week getting back into the swing of things. It's only a matter of time before the 2025 regular season begins, giving head coach Dan Campbell about six weeks to prepare the Lions rookies and veterans for the upcoming action.
The meaningful football games won't begin for a while, though, and Detroit must get through the rest of camp and the preseason to get there. One Lion who isn't guaranteed to be on the 53-man roster come Week 1 is quarterback Hendon Hooker, who's been subject to trade rumors all offseason after veteran QB Kyle Allen signed a one-year contract in March.
Although the trade noise has quieted down recently, things could pick up again for Hooker following the latest injury news around the league.
Lions QB Hendon Hooker is Perfect Trade Target for Titans After Losing Will Levis to Injury
On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis is set to undergo surgery on his right shoulder, ruling him out of the 2025 season. The former Kentucky product's shoulder injury limited him to 12 appearances last season, and "has been unable to shake the discomfort" ever since.
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
With Levis sidelined, Brandon Allen will now be the Titans' QB2 behind 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward. On top of that, former Lions signal-caller Tim Boyle has been bumped to the QB3 spot on the depth chart. Given how unreliable Boyle has been under center, it wouldn't be unfathomable to imagine Tennessee wanting to add another quarterback sooner rather than later.
That's where Hooker and the Lions come in.
For Hooker, it's not a secret that he could use a fresh start. The 27-year-old gunslinger hasn't met expectations since being drafted 68th overall in 2023, and a change of scenery could be what he needs to help him realize his potential.
As for the Titans, Hooker would make for a suitable QB3 on a young team, or he can at least provide Boyle with some motivation to step up. The Greensboro, NC native also spent two seasons at the University of Tennessee, so joining the Titans would be a homecoming that could excite the fan base.
Could the Lions recoup a third-round pick for Hooker, much like the one they used to draft him? Probably not; however, a fourth-rounder or even a Round 5 selection would be a suitable compromise, especially if Detroit doesn't view him as being an integral part of its future.
With the 2025 NFL preseason around the corner, Hooker could be given a one-way ticket out of the Motor City sooner rather than later if the Titans are willing to roll the dice.