With as many injuries as they have dealt with over the last few years, the Detroit Lions were never really tested with an injury to Jared Goff. Since he hasn't missed a game in four years, the Lions never had to rely on their backup quarterback. This may have led them to deprioritize the QB room as they are currently on track to enter the 2026 campaign with Teddy Bridgewater as the backup QB.
The Lions' interest in bringing Bridgewater back to Detroit was understandable. He knows the team and the coaching staff and has a ton of experience. At the same time, he hasn't started a game since the 2022 season. He appeared in relief of Baker Mayfield in four games last season, throwing 8/15 for 62 yards and getting sacked twice.
It's not like we have seen him a ton under center in Detroit, either. The 33-year-old started two preseason games as a Lion in 2023, but hasn't had to throw the ball in the regular season.
That is why it was surprising for the Lions not to bring in veteran competition or draft a quarterback on Day 3. It turns out, however, that Bridgewater may still be challenged for the QB2 role after all.
Luke Altmyer is turning heads in Lions OTAs
The only addition to the QB room after the Bridgewater signing was UDFA Luke Altmyer. Following the draft, the Lions signed the former Illinois standout. After the first two weeks of organized team activities (OTAs), Altmyer has left an impression on the team.
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports reported that "Altmyer has really been shining." He prefaced this by saying that he is not taking any pass rush or pressure and that Dan Campbell warned everyone about not reading too much into the OTAs, but it certainly sounds like Altmyer is turning some heads.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing called Altmyer "unflappable" and praised his composure and confidence, per Richard Silva of The Detroit News.
Petzing said, "I think there are, especially with some young quarterbacks, you can see some nerves in the way that they call plays or get out of the huddle or act post-snap. Whereas with him, I think he has a ton of confidence in his ability, and you feel that in the way he just goes in and out of the huddle and plays the game."
Head coach Dan Campbell also spoke highly of Altmyer's confidence and ability to retain information. What perhaps makes Altmyer a perfect fit in Detroit, however, is the chip on his shoulder.
In his remarks to the media, Altmyer discussed how disappointed he was about going undrafted and how he felt like he had earned it with his play. He said that getting snubbed has "molded" him and "grown his character".
This is the attitude Altmyer is bringing to OTAs. It's also what is going to keep him in Detroit if he maintains this momentum. Taking over the QB2 role from Bridgewater may be an uphill battle, and it may take a while for him to earn the full trust of the coaching staff.
First, he will have to earn his way onto the final roster or the practice squad. Then, Altmyer will hope to climb up the depth chart and challenge Bridgewater. If he keeps this up in training camp, it may be more of a possibility than anyone would have thought a month ago.
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