4 backup quarterback options the Detroit Lions should be monitoring

3. Kevin Hogan, Free Agent

Hogan was just cut by the Houston Texans, which certainly qualifies as a red flag that he couldn’t make it to the first preseason game still with one of the worst teams in the league. The former Stanford signal caller has spent time with seven NFL organizations now, since 2016, with nine regular season games, one start and 101 pass attempts on his resume.

All of the aforementioned numbers are more than what Boyle had on his resume before the Lions signed him in 2021. And Hogan has at least flashed some athleticism when he has played, with 176 career rushing yards over his eight games with the Browns in 2017 and 2018.

The Lions could easily let Blough or Boyle go and sign Hogan right now, if they wanted to. But even as they try to let the current backup battle play out, Hogan could be on the radar to come in and compete sooner as opposed to later.

2. Jordan Ta’amu, USFL most recently

Ta’amu spent time with the Lions in 2020 and 2021, with a stint in the XFL before the first stint and most recently serving as the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Bandits in the new USFL this spring.

At the helm of former NFL head coach and coordinator (and Bandits’ head coach) Todd Haley’s offense, Ta’amu led the USFL in passing yards (2,014), passing touchdowns (14) and pass attempts (302). He also had 365 rushing yards and another score on the ground.

Ta’amu hasn’t been able to stick very long anywhere in the NFL. But he is an interesting backup option for the Lions to consider (re-consider) now.