Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters after the teams' final preseason game that Hendon Hooker might need a change of scenery in order to continue his career in the NFL. It was a stark wake up call as to Hooker's time with the Lions, which had clearly run out after never throwing a touchdown pass in four games for Detroit in the preseason.
Well, that change of scenery came quickly on Wednesday afternoon as Hooker signed with the Carolina Panthers, per Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. Hooker will be joining the practice squad for the Panthers, as the team already has Andy Dalton at backup to Bryce Young on the 53-man roster.
Hooker could get some solid reps while with Carolina, especially if Young's leap from 2024 doesn't continue into the 2025 season, and if Dalton can't stay healthy at QB2. Right now, though, it just doesn't look great for Hooker and his chances at working his way up on an NFL roster barring injuries granting him that opportunity.
Hooker finally changes scenery with Panthers signing
Hooker was taken in the third round by the Lions back in 2023, and it was anticipated that he could compete to be the QB2 behind Jared Goff in 2024. However, due to injury, it was instead Teddy Bridgewater who acted as backup to Goff last season, with Hooker at QB3. This year was his to grasp in earnest.
Instead, he saw Kyle Allen completely outplay him in the preseason. Allen bounced back from a poor first game in the preseason by throwing five touchdowns and turning the ball over zero times. Hooker, on the other hand, continued to struggle and turn the ball over as he kept leaving the pocket. Fumbles and interceptions were the name of the game for Hooker.
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Detroit has now moved on from Hooker fully, and their other waived 2023 third rounder, Brodric Martin, has landed with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. That draft was, otherwise, electric for the Lions' future.
We continue to wait to see how Detroit fills their final roster spot, as they have one remaining after picking up two defensive linemen off waivers. They have also begun making moves for their practice squad, adding UDFA Jackson Meeks and Tom Kennedy to the squad.