The Detroit Lions' decision to move on from quarterback Hendon Hooker isn't surprising, but the Green Bay Packers can take advantage.
Hooker, a third-round pick by the Lions only two years ago, struggled in the preseason, completing just 22 of 40 passes for 187 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. Detroit moves forward with Kyle Allen as the primary backup to Jared Goff.
The Lions made a few surprising cuts on Monday, including veteran offensive lineman Dan Skipper, whom the Packers should attempt to sign. Hooker should also be on Brian Gutekunst's radar if he clears waivers, both as a long-term project and for the insight he could offer ahead of Week 1.
Packers should target QB Hendon Hooker for two key reasons
Hooker didn't play well in Detroit, and his future became crystal clear the moment coach Dan Campbell hinted that he may "need a change of scenery."
That change of scenery could come in Green Bay. If Hooker clears waivers and signs to the Packers' practice squad, he would give Matt LaFleur a developmental quarterback to work with and a clear upgrade on Sean Clifford and Taylor Elgersma.
There's also a short-term benefit, looking specifically at Week 1 when Detroit comes to Lambeau Field.
The Lions have a new offensive coordinator and system following Ben Johnson's departure. While we can expect some similarities from the previous scheme, new coordinator John Morton will have his own fresh take on the playbook and several unscouted looks waiting for the Packers.
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Hooker is fully aware, having spent the entire offseason learning Morton's playbook. He would have plenty of insight to offer the Packers. Even a small advantage is beneficial, right?
But signing Hooker to the practice squad would go well beyond that.
LaFleur has proven that he knows how to develop quarterbacks — Malik Willis is the perfect example. During his time in Tennessee, Willis completed 53 percent of his passes for 350 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, while going 1-2 as a starter.
It's why the Titans gave up on him and accepted a seventh-rounder from the Packers in last year's cutdown day trade. Willis looked like a different player in Green Bay, completing 74.1 percent of his passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns with zero picks, going 2-0 in starts and leading the Packers to victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars after coming off the bench.
LaFleur has a quarterback-friendly scheme that plays to their strengths. He has a proven track record when developing quarterbacks, so why not bring in Hooker?
He's a former third-round pick for a reason.
Hooker missed his entire rookie year due to a torn ACL and barely played in 2024. Despite that, he had a solid preseason a year ago and backed up Goff for the season.
The Packers could get the best out of him. He would give Green Bay an upgrade at the QB3 spot while also providing some insight into the Lions' new-look scheme.
If Hooker clears waivers, the Packers could make the Lions regret letting him go.