Unlike other teams, finding a starting quarterback wasn't a concern for the Detroit Lions this offseason. Jared Goff, despite any potential flaws, is locked in as the QB1, offering the Lions stability at football's most crucial position.
While their starting situation isn't a concern, the Lions' backup QB outlook is another story.
Free-agent addition Teddy Bridgewater is the only other body in Detroit's quarterback room, and there are concerns about how effective he can be at this stage of his career. Wide receiver Malik Cunningham has some QB experience after his past success under center with the Louisville Cardinals; however, there are no official plans for him to return to his old position, even if it is an interesting theory.
In other words, if the Lions think that their QB2 situation isn't a concern, that's the best April Fool's joke yet.
Lions Still Need a Legitimate Backup QB
Even though Bridgewater has plenty of experience (65 career starts), his mobility is nowhere near where it was since a 2016 ACL tear with the Minnesota Vikings, further limiting his abilities at the position. He was never a gunslinger, so athleticism always let him find guys on checkdowns. At this point, he's a shell of what he used to be and hasn't even started a game since 2022.
It's fair to question if Bridgewater could handle the wear and tear of a full season. Going younger at a position that's lacking youth could be a wise move for the Lions this offseason, though not necessarily the move.
With six picks between the fourth and sixth rounds of this month's draft, Detroit could explore adding a late-round quarterback. That makes North Dakota State Bison QB Cole Payton an intriguing option, since his stout build and athleticism make him an intriguing fit in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's heavy personnel sets.
Penn State's Drew Allar could be another option.
Certainly, though, the Lions are better off stacking up bodies in the trenches on both sides of the ball, finding an Alex Anzalone replacement in the middle, and trying to find a true Aidan Hutchinson equal on the edge in the first or second round than spending much energy on a draft QB unless it falls in their lap. Exploring undrafted free agents would be a better call for finding QB depth.
Veteran Arms Are Still Available
There are even free-agent arms who are still looking for work and could at least be brought in to challenge Bridgewater. Cooper Rush and Tyrod Taylor are two experienced backups who would likely fare better in a pinch compared to Bridgewater.
Kirk Cousins was designated for a June 1 release by the Atlanta Falcons last month and is actively looking for work. Though he's in demand, the Lions would do well to inquire, especially given an obvious connection to the coaching staff.
Petzing has a relationship with Cousins from their time on the Vikings in 2018, when the former was the assistant QBs coach. Cousins had 4,298 yards and 30 touchdowns with a career-high 70.1% completion rate that season, making it easy to see why the two sides might be interested in a reunion.
Even if Cousins is a long shot, the Lions can't ignore the fact that their QB2 issue isn't solved. It's in their best interest to leave no stone unturned to find a legitimate backup for Goff, or else the Lions will be just asking for trouble if Bridgewater is their main insurance policy.