The Detroit Lions have had a revolving door at the backup quarterback position since adding star signal-caller Jared Goff. The veteran's durability has left the position of little concern, allowing Detroit to often shop in the bargain aisles or find surprise fits behind the Lions starter. One of these options is current free agent Nate Sudfeld.
The veteran backup spent the 2022-23 season with the franchise before being a final roster cut ahead of last season. It seemed Sudfeld had found another opportunity ahead of the final week of preseason, signing with the San Francisco 49ers.
However, this was a short-lived reunion for the two sides, with the quarterback being cut only two days after being signed. It is impossible to believe the 49ers ever had any intention of keeping the veteran, considering how short a stint this was. It seems that Mac Jones' injury was perhaps the only reason for the signing.
No matter the reasoning, Sudfeld once again finds himself in free agency searching for a new landing spot. While the Lions have their share of problems at the position, a reunion for the two sides seems extremely unlikely. As much as Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker have struggled, Sudfeld is far from a proven upgrade.
49ers place CB Tre Brown on IR, cut QB Nate Sudfeld. https://t.co/JtMGNEE5Fm
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 21, 2025
Former Lions QB Becomes Immediate Roster Cut
Sudfeld is an extremely limited backup who was cut ahead of last season for good reason. Detroit could easily find better options among roster cuts or in free agency if the team does opt to upgrade the position. One of the odder stories has been the continued free agency search of former starting quarterback and current backup Carson Wentz. If the Lions are going to make a move at the position ahead of the regular season, this makes the most sense.
For Sudfeld, the release isn't a great sign for where the veteran's career is heading. While the signal caller has vast backup experience, rosters are currently full, and Sudfeld lacks a clear landing spot as teams prepare to make final cuts. It seems that only an unexpected injury is going to create a new opportunity for the veteran.
With this in mind, it is very possible that we've seen the last of the former Detroit quarterback on NFL rosters. This could easily be the end of an underwhelming career. Sudfeld seems destined for a forced retirement barring injuries in the early weeks of the season.