When the Detroit Lions drafted Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they thought they were getting a quarterback who could develop into a quality QB2 behind Jared Goff. Yet, that didn't happen.
Hooker's Lions tenure started on the injured reserve as he rehabbed a torn ACL suffered in college, but he wasn't able to fully recover. Detroit decided to cut Hooker in August 2025, and he still hasn't carved out a true role for himself elsewhere. Fast forward to now, and his new landing spot shows how bad things are for the former Lion.
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday that Hooker is signing with the Tennessee Titans, returning to the state where he played his college ball. While that may sound like an ideal landing spot, the Titans' QB room is packed and shows how he's viewed around the league.
Hendon Hooker’s Post-Lions Career Keeps Trending Downward
When taking a peek at the Titans' depth chart, Cam Ward is the starter, with Mitchell Trubisky likely to be the backup. The QB3 battle could seemingly be up for grabs between Hooker and Will Levis. The latter's name has popped up in trade talks, which means he could be on the move, but no guarantee that it will happen.
The Titans have a new coaching staff in place, with Robert Saleh as the head coach and Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator. They don't have any loyalty to Levis, but Hooker joining a Tennessee team that already has three quarterbacks under contract shows he'll have to fight to earn his spot.
After failing to do so with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, there's room to question whether he could do so.
Failing to latch onto the Jets is very telling, as they had the NFL's worst QB room last season. This offseason, they are completely revamping that room, but the fact that Hooker couldn't even earn a spot for spring/summer workouts shows the team wanted no part in what he does next.
Hooker's best chance to make the team is to beat out Levis, but that's easier said than done. Saleh openly said there's a competition for QB2 and spoke highly of Levis. He even said it's "too early to close the door" on the Kentucky product.
With how Hooker's NFL career has unfolded, on top of Saleh's comments, the ex-Lion is behind the eight-ball to begin April. If he doesn't elevate his play, he won't be able to secure a roster spot. Joining a team with three quarterbacks already on the roster is risky, but it paints the picture that Hooker didn't have many other options.
Hooker is now on his third team following his Lions exit, and to be quite frank, he has his work cut out to make the Titans roster. One has to wonder just how much runway he has left in the NFL if this opportunity doesn't work out.