The Detroit Lions are pretty solid in their lineup heading into the 2025 season, except for not having a star edge to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. That factor is keeping some Lions supporters up at night, but aside from the pass rusher position, the Lions are seemingly putting together the pieces they need to have a winning team in 2025.
One area that they could use some help in, though, is the Lions’ quarterback room. While Detroit has MVP-nominee Jared Goff as their franchise quarterback, it gets muddy after that.
Behind Goff, right now, the Lions have Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, but they haven’t shown much faith in the former. In the postseason last season, the Lions even brought on retired quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as backup, and Bridgewater did take the field when it appeared Goff was injured. So, if Hooker and Allen aren’t enough, the Lions would be wise to search now for a solid quarterback to bring into their lineup. It just so happens that one is available.
A New Quarterback for the Detroit Lions
Hooker and Allen still have a lot of promise and are talented players. It’s not like the Lions’ quarterback room is completely weak going into the season. But, God forbid, if Goff were to get seriously injured, which has happened so much with franchise quarterbacks the past few seasons, it’s an unknown whether Hooker or Allen could really step into his shoes the way that would be required.
So, why not make a move now before something happens to Goff, just in case?
One quarterback who is available now that the UFL season has wrapped up is Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins. Last season, the Lions snagged UFL kicker Jake Bates, and he famously knocked it out of the park for the team. So, if it worked for Bates, why not try another Panthers star?
It’s hard to forget Bates’ help with the team’s 26-23 win over the Houston Texans last season. His field goal to tie the game and then his field goal to win the game were instrumental. They were close, but went in.
“I put them a little too close to the post for comfort, but luckily they went in,” Bates told NBC via Fox Sports. It was an emotional moment, and Bates added, “I think it just shows how good the Lord is. He’s so faithful. My story is, if anything, I just hope people can see Jesus through my story. I mean that’s what I think I’m here to do. Not make or miss or be a good kicker or bad kicker but spread the love of Jesus.”
Bryce Perkins a Small Risk for the Lions
Perkins was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for 2025, which is huge, especially since Perkins missed three of the team’s 10 games with an injury.
While active, Perkins completed 69% of his passes; threw for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns; and ran for five touchdowns. That last part shows that he’s a mobile quarterback. He’s also a former Ram who was on their 2021 Super Bowl-winning team and, obviously, is familiar with playing at Ford Field.
Signing UFL players is always a gamble, but here’s a clean deal that likely wouldn’t cost the Lions and arm and a leg, plus Perkins comes with ready-made NFL experience. The Lions could certainly do worse than adding Perkins to their quarterback room.
