Hendon Hooker Is Potential Jared Goff Insurance

It’s unusual for coaches to bluntly state a player won’t play, but that’s the case with Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker.

But then, Hendon Hooker is a somewhat unusual third-round selection by Detroit – not least because he’s currently injured. He tore his left ACL in November 2022 and is expected to recover in time to start the season.

As well as that, Hendon Hooker will play his rookie season at 25 years old. However, head coach Dan Campbell isn’t concerned that he’s coming to the NFL a little late.

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“Really, this is a redshirt year for him,” Campbell said.

“He’s got to get this leg right first and then he’ll learn under Jared (Goff), and then let’s see what happens. If he can eventually become your two or maybe down the road, later on, it’s more than that, but it’s going to be a long time.”

If Hooker doesn’t work out in Detroit, this move won’t be talked about, if he does work out, it could be talked about as savvy business.

Quarterback Jared Goff is currently signed up for the next two years with salary cap hits of over $30 million a year. Developing Hooker in the background allows the franchise some potential flexibility when they negotiate Goff’s extension.

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“We didn’t know exactly where that might be, who that would be at the time, but we did like Hooker,” Campbell said. 

“We knew he was coming off the injury, but there was something about him that was appealing. He’s very mature. He looks the part, he’s got a big arm. He’s just, he’s got to learn how to play in the NFL. But he’s a pro now, and I like the fact that he was older. We all kind of like the fact that he was older. I think you want your quarterback to be a little bit more mature. They got a lot on their plate.”