Among paths for the Lions to add a young quarterback, this one would surely signal the end of Hendon Hooker's tenure in Detroit.
If you're willing to read the tea leaves dating back to last offseason, the Detroit Lions don't think Hendon Hooker can hold down the fort if something happened to Jared Goff. Actions speak louder than words, and actions say they know drafting an older quarterback prospect who was coming off a torn ACL in the third round was a mistake.
Finally, at the recent Owner's Meetings, Lions general manager Brad Holmes did not sugarcoat Hooker's tenuous status as the No. 2 quarterback moving toward the 2025 season.
The signing of Kyle Allen was the most recent proof the Lions don't trust Hooker. In a broad sense, the Lions could consider taking a quarterback on Day 3 of the upcoming draft.
After the peak of free agency, ESPN's Ben Solak pointed to the clear implications the Lions' signing Allen has for Hooker and landed on an easy punch line.
"The Lions probably need a new developmental QB of the future."
Proposed path to QB addition would likely end Hendon Hooker's time in Detroit
Solak has done a 2025 quarterback mock draft, with team fits for prospects at certain picks across all seven rounds. He went all the way down to three intriguing undrafted free agent fits, with Indiana's Kurtis Rourke as a fit for the Lions.
"Rourke throws with good rhythm, knows when to take shots, and has enough arm to hit the windows between zone coverage. He has unspectacular physical traits and an injury history, but he could keep a functional NFL offense on schedule as a pocket passer. The West Coast offenses that like timely, one-read-and-out quarterbacks -- like the Lions and Cowboys -- will like Rourke."
Rourke started his college career at Ohio University. He won MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, but following a down year in 2023 he transferred to Indiana to finish his career. The Big Ten was not too tough a test for him last season, as he threw 29 touchdowns with just five interceptions while leading the conference in yards per attempt (9.5) and adjusted yards per attempt (10.6).
It was later revealed Rourke played all of last season with a torn right ACL. He tore the same ACL in 2022, which warrants mention along with his age (24, and he'll turn 25 in October).
The Lions taking a quarterback on Day 3 later this month would be a clear signal, alongside his battle with Allen to be the No. 2 quarterback, Hooker will also be battling for a roster spot. There would be no hiding it then.
Adding an undrafted rookie, as Solak pointed toward with Rourke, would send a more subtle signal than a draft pick investment in a young quarterback would. It would irretrievably say it all about how Hooker is viewed, as the Lions complete the shift away from trying to hide it with the smallest investment that can make in a rookie quarterback.
