The Detroit Lions have added another quarterback to their roster to provide depth behind starting quarterback Jared Goff.

Shortly after the conclusion of the NFL Draft on April 25, Detroit signed Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer as an undrafted rookie free agent.

NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Altmyer started for three seasons in college and produced respectable passing numbers despite playing behind an offensive line that struggled with protection in 2025. Zierlein also pointed out that the quarterback has experience operating in pro-style passing systems and generally shows patience and discipline with his reads, allowing plays to develop before making a decision.

Altmyer, who will celebrate his 24th birthday in October, threw for 7,607 yards along with 57 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while completing 64.4 percent of his passes during his three seasons at Illinois Fighting Illini football. Across 35 games with Illinois, he served as the team’s primary starter. Before transferring to the Big Ten program ahead of the 2023 season, Altmyer spent two years at Ole Miss Rebels football.

Even with his production, Zierlein believes the transition to the professional level may present several challenges for the young quarterback. While Altmyer can anticipate throws into zone coverage with reasonable timing, his slower release and limited arm strength could make it difficult to consistently beat tight man coverage. In addition, edge pressure has often caught him off guard, and he has not consistently demonstrated the ability to escape sacks. Because of these issues, Zierlein suggested Altmyer may struggle to surpass experienced NFL backups for a permanent roster spot.

Altmyer Joins Detroit’s Backup Quarterbacks

With his signing, Altmyer enters a quarterback room that currently includes Goff and veteran Teddy Bridgewater.

Bridgewater recently agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.8 million to return to Detroit as Goff’s backup. He previously served in that role for the Lions during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before spending the 2025 campaign as a reserve with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over his career, Bridgewater has appeared in 83 NFL games and started 65 of them, compiling a 33–32 record. The former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings and former Pro Bowl selection has recorded 15,182 passing yards with 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions while completing 66.3 percent of his passes.

Meanwhile, Goff has been remarkably durable during his tenure in Detroit. Aside from missing three games in his first season with the team in 2021, he has started every regular-season game over the past four years.

Detroit Could Still Explore More Quarterback Options

Because Altmyer is an undrafted rookie with areas of concern in his game, the Lions may still explore other quarterback additions before the regular season begins. At the moment, the team has only three quarterbacks on the roster, which could prompt them to pursue another option through either free agency or a trade.

Bringing in a more experienced veteran could make sense, especially considering the relatively low salaries of Bridgewater and Altmyer if the rookie ultimately remains on the roster.

If Detroit chooses to explore the trade market, quarterbacks such as Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts or Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans could potentially become available.

Several notable quarterbacks also remain unsigned in free agency, including Super Bowl–winning veterans Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. Other experienced signal-callers the Lions might consider include Tyrod Taylor, Jimmy Garoppolo and Josh Dobbs.