Earlier this week, the Detroit Lions finally cut ties with former third-round pick Hendon Hooker. It wasn’t a shock to the fans to see Hooker released, given his performance in the preseason and comments from head coach Dan Campbell about the overall competition.
The former third-round pick was given ample opportunities to beat out journeyman quarterback Kyle Allen this summer. However, Hooker couldn’t get out of his own way, which led to Allen getting the backup job.
Nonetheless, it didn’t take long for the former Lions quarterback to find his next job. Hooker was signed on Wednesday to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, where he will get a chance to develop his game and return home, as he’s a native of Greensboro, North Carolina.
The ex-Lions draft pick spoke with reporters in Carolina about his decision to join the Panthers, and threw some shade at Detroit’s front office and coaching staff in the process.
Former Lions QB Hendon Hooker Sends Subtle Shot at Lions Following Release
“I just wanted to go somewhere I was wanted," Hooker said (h/t Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com). "And wanted to develop and learn, and Coach told me that he would like me to come learn under him, and we have a great bond from the draft process, just reminiscing on those talks that we had then, I'm eager to learn from him."
It’s not surprising that Hooker started by saying he wanted to go to a team that wanted him. As we got deeper into the preseason, it seemed as if Dan Campbell was out on Hooker and ready to turn the page on his tenure in the Motor City.
In fact, after Detroit’s final preseason game, the Lions' head coach admitted in so many words that he thought Hooker needed a “change of scenery.” And maybe he was right about that, as things clearly weren’t working out for both sides.
Hooker didn’t play well in the preseason, completing 22-of-40 passes for 187 yards, zero TDs, and three interceptions (four games). And given his age, 27, the Lions might’ve felt that there isn’t much room for improvement for Hooker, and they would rather spend that energy on another player.
If you’re Hooker, maybe this chance with Carolina is the reset he needs. Since he’s on the practice squad, there’s no pressure on him to play right away.
However, Hooker cannot get comfortable, as teams are always making cuts to their practice squad throughout the season. It will be interesting to see if Hooker can take the Malik Willis route, which would be great for the ex-Detroit QB. Or will the Lions look right in the end for cutting ties with the failed third-round pick?