The Detroit Lions selected quarterback Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 draft, bringing in a project option behind Jared Goff. There was hope that Hooker could develop into a useful option and reliable long-term backup. However, after spending two seasons with the Lions, it was clear there wasn't enough meaningful progress being made. This led to the quarterback's release ahead of the 2025 season and appeared to doom the signal caller's NFL career. Setting up the Lions' former defensive coordinator to throw Hooker a lifeline.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the New York Jets have signed Hooker to the team's practice squad. Current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is obviously familiar with the quarterback from his time with Detroit. This is more than a simple depth signing with the Jets choosing to start Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields throughout the 2025 season; the standard is low enough that Hooker could theoretically earn his way into a late-season start.
While it is just a practice squad deal, the Jets are already looking towards the offseason, only having reason to sign the quarterback if they plan to give him a true chance to be evaluated. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out for a player who appeared to have one foot out of the door when it came to his NFL future.
Former Lions QB Hendon Hooker Earns Surprise Opportunity with Jets
It is clear the Lions aren't interested in revisiting the failed project quarterback, but a great start with the Jets would generate interest throughout the league. Playing well for a cursed franchise is unquestionably going to garner attention and breathe life back into Hooker's NFL career. With this in mind, this is a huge opportunity for a quarterback who appeared either done playing football or likely to take a UFL roster spot.
Hooker's ties to Glenn appear to be the only reason a deal got done, as there are no other clear connections to the Jets. As the Lions continue to attempt to claw back into the playoff race, watching how Hooker fares in his new role could be a pleasant distraction for a fan base that gave up on the quarterback's development long ago.
While fans believe they know how this will play out, it is still interesting to consider that a new landing spot and last-ditch opportunity could bring out a different version of the quarterback. This is obviously unlikely, but cannot be ruled out entirely based on the physical gifts of Hooker.
For the quarterback, the gravity of this chance must be understood, demanding every ounce of effort and focus. If things don't work out in New York, it still seems likely we've seen the end of Hooker's time in the league. Making this the quarterback's last chance on a 3-11 Jets team that understandably let go of the rope long ago.