The Detroit Lions officially moved on from the Hendon Hooker experiment this offseason, cutting ties with their 2023 third-round selection after he failed to show the growth they had hoped for.

Even with Hooker gone, some insiders think Detroit should still look to add a young quarterback—someone who can develop behind Jared Goff while also helping the team in preparation for specific opponents.

Potential Fit: Former Browns QB

Earlier this summer, the Lions gave Hooker a chance to compete against veteran Kyle Allen. In the end, the team chose to release Hooker outright instead of stashing him on the practice squad. That decision could create an opening for another passer, with Ryan Love of USA Today’s Lions Wire pointing to Dorian Thompson-Robinson as a logical candidate.

According to Love, the ex-Cleveland Browns quarterback has traits that make him valuable, particularly as a scout team player who could mimic the style of some of Detroit’s toughest upcoming opponents.

“Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson could be an interesting player for the Lions’ practice squad if he’s willing to take the role. Reports suggest he may head to the CFL, but his athleticism would help Detroit prepare for dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, and Jalen Hurts this season,” Love explained.

Thompson-Robinson entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2023 and has already logged significant action. He started five games for the injury-plagued Browns, completing 52.6 percent of his passes for 880 yards with one touchdown against 10 interceptions.

While the numbers aren’t impressive, his upside and mobility could make him a useful developmental piece in Detroit.

Other Options on the Market

Love also mentioned C.J. Beathard as another possible addition if the Lions pursue a third quarterback.

“We’re far removed from when Kyle Shanahan made C.J. Beathard look like a legitimate starter, but he’s still a seasoned backup,” Love wrote. “At 31 years old and eight years in the league, Beathard has mostly served as a reserve for Jacksonville and could provide stability on Detroit’s practice squad.”

Why the Lions Moved on From Hooker

Head coach Dan Campbell explained that the decision to release Hooker was about giving him a new opportunity. Hooker quickly found one, signing with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.

Panthers coach Dave Canales praised Hooker after bringing him aboard.

“Hendon Hooker was a guy I really liked during the draft process at Tennessee,” Canales said via MLive.com. “I thought he was impressive as a person—high character, strong arm, athletic, and a great presence. I think Coach Campbell had it right: sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs.”