The Detroit Lions hosted two quarterbacks for a workout Wednesday and are reportedly set to sign former Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard to their practice squad. Beathard edged out Nathan Peterman, who was one of five players to work out Detroit on Wednesday.
Beathard is now in his 9th NFL season since coming out of Iowa as a 3rd round pick in 2017 by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent time with the Niners for four years before signing with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and staying there for three seasons (2021-2023).
Beathard was released by Jacksonville during final cuts in 2024, eventually joining the Miami Dolphins in October due to injuries. Beathard would be signed from the Dolphins practice squad back to the Jaguars active roster for the remainder of the 2024 season. However, he was not resigned after the regular season.
Lions sign Beathard as QB3 behind Kyle Allen, Jared Goff
Beathard's been on the workout cycle since training camp opened up in 2025. He's worked out for the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Jets, and now the Lions. While not the most dynamic quarterback, Beathard brings plenty of experience, appearing in 32 regular season games, throwing for 3,886 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
He's also added 266 yards on the ground with four rushing touchdowns, as well. Beathard won his last start with the Jaguars leading Jacksonville to a 26-0 victory over the Panthers in 2023.
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Detroit was looking to add a QB3 to their practice squad after the release of developmental quarterback Hendon Hooker, who has since signed with the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. The team needed experience at the position, which is what they get with Beathard to an extent.
The Lions also worked out Nathan Peterman, who is infamous for his five interception debut in 2017. Peterman's bounced around the NFL since 2017, most recently with the Atlanta Falcons. The Lions also worked out converted quarterback to wide receiver Malik Cunningham, along with wide receivers Jerjuan Newton and Kendric Pryor.
The Lions are only signing Beathard, but could look to add to their wide Receiver room or practice squad, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The Lions, and now Beathard, are scheduled to open the season with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 1.