Although Jared Goff is set in stone as the Detroit Lions' starting quarterback, one of the most interesting spots to watch this preseason was the backup situation under center. Veteran signal-caller Kyle Allen and 2023 third-round draft pick Hendon Hooker opened the summer in a competition for the QB2 role, and needed a strong preseason to pull ahead of the other.
Unfortunately, Hooker was unable to take the strides fans and the team were hoping for in games. As a result, Allen will likely be the Lions QB2 in 2025. This outcome doesn't excite Lions fans because the 28-year-old has proven to be a below-average backup.
That said, one of the top threats to Detroit in the NFC may have just provided the Lions with two young options at quarterback. Over the past two days, the Philadelphia Eagles have released Dorian Thompson-Robinson and rookie Kyle McCord. Of the two, McCord would be the more intriguing option for general manager Brad Holmes to take a look at.
He’s 22 years old, if I’m Brad I’m trying to get him in here on the practice squad to see what’s up. https://t.co/f3bqaa4zVM
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) August 25, 2025
Lions Should Explore Signing Rookie QB Kyle McCord After Eagles Cut
Exiting the preseason, McCord had seemingly won the Eagles' QB3 job. The 22-year-old finished the preseason completing 42.9% (24/56) of his passes for 191 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Though Thompson-Robinson had a better completion percentage at 62.5% (10/16), he threw for fewer yards, 73, and scored no touchdowns while throwing one interception.
Moreover, McCord reportedly showed some positive flashes in training camp. Still, Philadelphia was forced to move on from him due to an injury to backup Tanner McKee. McKee's injury forced the Eagles to make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for former 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell.
With that being said, McCord would be a good addition for Detroit. The 22-year-old is a pocket passing quarterback with average mobility and a strong enough arm. After transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse for his senior season, McCord threw for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
While Lions fans won't be thrilled he lacks mobility, if developed correctly, he'd seemingly be a great backup and, at some point, replacement for Goff. The veteran quarterback is also not known for his mobility, but he can get it done with his arm.
Clearly, the Eagles saw enough talent in McCord to draft him. So, it would be a smart idea for Detroit to look into a player the defending Super Bowl champions just moved off of. Even though the chances are slim for McCord to become a high-level starter, if Detroit can develop him, they could have the QB of the future without having to use a draft pick.