The Detroit Lions have become one of the top franchises in the NFC, and the turning point in their rebuild was finding Jared Goff as their franchise quarterback in 2021 through a trade that many initially believed Detroit had lost.
Under Dan Campbell’s leadership, the Lions have built a team culture that few other NFL franchises can match. They have a united locker room and a clear offensive identity that Goff understands and executes exceptionally well. For the team to sustain success, that same level of understanding must extend to the roster’s backup quarterbacks.
Who Are the Detroit Lions’ Quarterbacks?
The role of the backup quarterback in the NFL has gained increasing importance in recent years. Traditionally viewed as a scaled-down version of the starter, the backup QB is now seen as a crucial asset, with depth at the position often making the difference between a championship run and a disappointing season.
The group assembled by the Lions reflects the need for continuity in the system, ensuring the offense doesn’t have to change drastically when the starter is out. Still, each quarterback brings something unique to the table. Here’s a look at the Lions’ quarterback room for the season and how each player can contribute.
Jared Goff
The Lions currently have the second-highest-ranked quarterback in the league, according to PFSN’s QB+ metric. Since arriving in Detroit, Goff has rediscovered the best football of his career and has become one of the most reliable players in the NFL.
JARED GOFF TO JAMESON WILLIAMS. 82-YARD TOUCHDOWN.
đŸ“º: #DETvsCHI on FOX
đŸ“±: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/x2g80Yw1vV— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024
Over the past three seasons, Goff hasn’t missed a single game and has improved year after year, leading the Lions to a conference championship appearance in 2023 and the NFC’s top seed in 2024. Despite an early exit in the Divisional Round, he had an impressive season throwing for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Today, Goff is a near-unanimous top 10 quarterback in league rankings, something few would have predicted when the Los Angeles Rams traded him away for Matthew Stafford. His accuracy and understanding of the system make the Lions a legitimate contender in the NFC, even after losing their offensive coordinator.
Hendon Hooker
Goff’s immediate backup is Hendon Hooker, a 27-year-old quarterback drafted in 2023 out of the University of Tennessee. So far, he’s had limited opportunities, appearing only during garbage time in a few games.
Hooker has had to be patient in carving out his role in the NFL. He entered the league recovering from a torn ACL and spent most of his rookie year rehabbing, without getting any snaps in meaningful action. His playing style mirrors Goff’s, a pocket passer with safe throws and mature field vision.
Kyle Allen
Kyle Allen is a seven-year NFL veteran who had his most notable season in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers. That year, he started 12 games, finished with a 5–7 record, and threw for 3,322 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
Over the past four seasons, he’s bounced around the league, spending time with the Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and, most recently, backing up Russell Wilson and Justin Fields with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He adds valuable depth to the roster and has the experience to step in and manage a game if one of the top quarterbacks is sidelined for a week or two.
