The Lions appear ready to move on from Hendon Hooker, and now an intriguing replacement option is becoming available.

Dating back to last summer, even with the recent and predictable chatter, the Detroit Lions have consistently signaled they would upgrade from Hooker as Jared Goff’s backup if possible. Choosing to elevate Teddy Bridgewater as the No. 2 quarterback for their playoff game against the Washington Commanders cemented that for anyone paying attention.

The free agent market for backup quarterbacks isn’t thrilling, but the Lions seem to prefer someone with experience if they replace Hooker. A player who could top their list of options is now about to hit the market.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Las Vegas Raiders have informed quarterback Gardner Minshew that they will release him at the start of the new league year. Multiple Raiders beat reporters have confirmed the move.

Gardner Minshew emerges as the perfect choice for the Lions to replace Hendon Hooker.

Minshew appeared in 10 games for the Raiders last season, starting nine, completing over 66 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 81.0.

Minshew is on a Ryan Fitzpatrick-like career path, which is a compliment. His next team will be his fifth in seven NFL seasons, and his fourth different team in as many years. Over 59 career games, including 46 starts (with a 17-29 record), Minshew became a rookie sensation with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and started 13 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl nod (for whatever that’s worth).

Between his Jaguars stint (2019-2020) and his year with the Colts, Minshew spent two seasons backing up Jalen Hurts for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Minshew would bring valuable starting experience to any quarterback room, having operated in a variety of offensive systems. It’s reasonable to think he could effectively guide the Lions’ talented offense if Goff were sidelined — and it’s clear the Lions don’t think Hooker can do that.