Several big names changed teams before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline passed, but for one former Detroit Lions quarterback, his change of scenery is not coming with a brand new uniform waiting for him upon his arrival.
After being a training camp casualty at the end of August, former Lions QB Hendon Hooker was on the hunt for a new job within the NFL. Luckily for the former Tennessee Volunteers standout, he was able to do just that by latching on with the Carolina Panthers. Tuesday, however, that all changed.
According to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, the Panthers released Hooker from the practice squad on Tuesday afternoon, ending his stint in Charlotte before the QB ever had a chance to see the field for the Panthers.
Ex-Lion Hendon Hooker Among Deadline's Biggest Losers After Release
With no job to report to on Wednesday and limited openings throughout the league, Hooker finds himself in a tough spot following Tuesday's news. At this stage of the season, the only teams on the hunt for QB help are typically ones ravaged by injuries at the position. The problem for Hooker is that moves to replace injured QBs happen rather quickly, leaving him with only so many options.
One destination that can be immediately ruled out is the Motor City. When things reach the point where Dan Campbell loses faith in you, there really aren't many supporters a player can have left on a coaching staff or a front office. Kyle Allen beat Hooker out for the backup QB job in Detroit during the preseason, leaving no need to rehash history and have the two run that battle back in-season.
If Hooker is trying to find an immediate landing spot, the Washington Commanders could be his best bet after the franchise lost starting QB Jayden Daniels to a brutal-looking elbow injury during garbage time in their lopsided loss on Monday Night Football. Marcus Mariota will ascend into the starting role for the Commanders, with Mr. Backup QB Josh Johnson holding the clipboard behind him. Sam Hartman is on Washington's practice squad, but there is nothing that cements him into that role for the remainder of the season.
One way or another, Hooker is going to have to earn his way back into the league, no matter where that opportunity comes from. All it takes is one team to be interested enough in his abilities to land a job. Whether that happens, and when it could take place, remains to be seen, though.