The Detroit Lions' offseason has been ripe with rumors, including those regarding a potential trade involving quarterback Hendon Hooker. With Jared Goff and Kyle Allen operating as the starting quarterback and backup, respectively, the belief is that the Lions are open to moving Hooker in favor of finding their future franchise signal-caller somewhere down the line.
Some Lions fans hoped to see a trade materialize before the 2025 NFL draft, but that didn't happen. Instead, Hooker is still with the organization as this month's organized team activities (OTAs) loom.
But just when it seemed like Hooker would be stuck as the QB3 in the Motor City for another season, the perfect trade partner for the Lions emerged over the weekend.
Lions Rumors: Saints Are Perfect Hendon Hooker Trade Partners After Derek Carr Retires
On Saturday, the New Orleans Saints learned they'd be without a legitimate QB1 when veteran signal-caller Derek Carr announced his NFL retirement. The last few injury-riddled seasons were too much for Carr to overcome, forcing him to hang up his cleats after 11 seasons in the league.
Saints QB Derek Carr is retiring after 11 seasons. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/irJJ7PVV7V
— NFL (@NFL) May 10, 2025
With Carr retired, the Saints will likely be looking to add another quarterback before their OTAs begin in a few weeks. After all, returning QBs Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener went a combined 0-7 in their seven starts last season, whereas 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough has yet to take an NFL snap.
The Lions should exploit the Saints' QB needs by dangling Hooker in front of them.
Even though the former 2023 third-rounder isn't what Detroit needs anymore, that doesn't mean he isn't attractive to New Orleans. Hooker is a former SEC Offensive Player of the Year who's only two years removed from being drafted 68th overall, and the fact that he recently turned 27 years old could make him more starter-ready in the Saints' eyes.
Besides, the Saints have previously shown interest in the Lions' gunslinger before he was drafted. NFL draft expert John Sigler reported that New Orleans "extensively" met with Hooker before the 2023 NFL Draft, meaning there's a decent chance that interest could still exist, especially post-Carr retirement.
It remains to be seen what a potential Lions-Saints trade involving Hooker would look like. Perhaps next year's third-rounder would be enough to get the job done, or even a pair of fourth- and fifth-round selections. Either way, Detroit would be wise to listen to any potential offers — especially with New Orleans only becoming more desperate with each passing day.
If a trade is on the horizon, it might happen sooner rather than later. The Saints will begin their OTAs on Tuesday, May 20, and would likely want to have their QB situation straightened out before then.
The Lions, meanwhile, will march toward the start of their OTAs (May 28) while holding the fifth-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+950) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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