The Detrot Lions ended their 2026 preseason with a win over the Indianapolis Colts, but the work realy began afterward with a little more than 24 hours from the game's end to when NFL rosters have to be down to 53 players.
The No. 2 quarterback situation for the Lions was cast into doubt when Teddy Bridgewater retired. Josh Dobbs was quickly signed to fill the experience void, and the game against the Colts seemed to lock him in as Jared Goff's primary backup.
That said, a late-preseason overturning of the depth chart behind Goff would not be something new for the Lions. In 2022 they let David Blough and Tim Boyle go, and signed Nate Sudfeld. As other teams make their roster cuts or look to trade players for draft pick assets, there should be some options to consider.
We know how much general manager Brad Holmes values draft capital, but making a trade for a different backup quarterback doesn't have to cost more than a Day 3 draft pick. Actually, on the trade front, it won't cost more than a Day 3 pick.
Let's take a look at some potential trade options if the Lions want to consider a different No. 2 quarterback option before roster cuts have to take place in full.
4 QB2 trade options Lions general manager Brad Holmes could consider before roster cuts
4. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Let's get this one out of the way. McCarthy's has no viable future left as a Minnesota Viking, and that's even more so true if he's going to be their No. 3 quarterback. He ostensibly has some trade value, since he's still just 23 years old, and it's likely that is being explored.
The Lions got a close look at McCarthy once last season, in what was one of his best performances of the season (three total touchdowns). But in terms of readiness to step in if called upon, there have been indications he's still learning an offense he has three years in. More generally, his all-around inconsistencies would drive Dan Campbell nuts.
Let's tab the percentage chances the Lions trade for McCarty at "non-zero", but not very far above zero.
3. Aidan O'Connell, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders clearly value O'Connell as a second veteran in their quarterback room around rookie Fernando Mendoza. But with experience in multiple offensive systems, and a solid run when he has started, he's also a lingering potential trade asset.
It make a fairly compelling trade offer to get the Raiders to trade O'Connell, but Holmes should willing investigate to see what it might take.
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2. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
The Lions of course got a close look at Richardson in the preseason finale, and he played fairly well (7-for-10 for 80 yards; 93.8 passer rating). He also pretty clearly needs a change of scenery, and it should be coming.
In Detroit, the 24-year old Richardson would also find a level of coaching acumen and supporting on-field talent he has never had in Indianapolis.
1. Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints
Ratttler has been seen as a potential trade candidate going back months. In the wake of their trade for Quinn Ewers, Nick Underhill of New Orleans.football reported the Jacksonville Jaguars had inquired about Rattler.
Rattler has just one win in 14 career starts, but still carries a hint of potential that intrigues teams. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported, despite receiving interest, the Saints aren't planning to trade him and instead want to keep him as Tyler Shough's backup.
But plans can and do change. If the Lions haven't been among the teams to show interest in Rattler, it can't hurt to check in over the hours before roster cuts have to be done.
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