A once-promising Detroit Lions draft pick has quietly found a new opportunity after a disastrous preseason nearly ended his NFL career.
Detroit used a third-round selection on quarterback Hendon Hooker ahead of the 2023 season, a move made at a time when questions still surrounded Jared Goff’s long-term future. In hindsight, the decision has aged poorly and now stands out as one of the least successful picks of the Dan Campbell era.
Hooker barely saw the field during his time with the Lions, attempting only nine passes in regular-season action before a rough showing in the 2025 preseason sealed his fate. Detroit ultimately moved on, leaving the former Vol without a team for several weeks.
Now, Hooker has resurfaced. The New York Jets, currently dealing with injuries to Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields while relying on undrafted rookie Brady Cook, have added Hooker to their practice squad. His familiarity with the Jets’ new leadership — head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, both formerly with Detroit — likely played a role in the signing.
Jets add former Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker
During his college career at Virginia Tech and Tennessee, Hooker put up impressive numbers, totaling 80 touchdown passes against just 12 interceptions. Despite that production, concerns about his age — he entered the league at 25 — and the simplified nature of Tennessee’s offensive system caused some hesitation among NFL evaluators.
Those concerns appeared justified during the preseason. Competing for a roster spot, Hooker struggled badly, completing only 55 percent of his throws while failing to produce a single touchdown and throwing three interceptions. Veteran Kyle Allen, who had been close to out of the league before Detroit signed him, ultimately won the job.
Hooker later caught on with the Carolina Panthers, but even a team that has cycled through inconsistent quarterback play in recent seasons decided not to keep him. Following his release on November 4, he has now landed in New York.
Given how poorly Hooker performed during his extended opportunities in Detroit, and with reports indicating the Jets are pleased with how Cook has managed the offense despite numerous injuries, it’s unlikely this stop will become a redemption story — or one that makes the Lions regret moving on.
