Lions HC Dan Campbell outlines the plan for former Vols QB Hendon Hooker following Jared Goff’s contract extension.
Earlier this offseason, the Detroit Lions signed quarterback Jared Goff to a four-year extension worth over $200 million.
This deal means that former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker, a third-round pick by the Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, will likely serve as a backup for the next three seasons (unless Goff is traded or injured) before becoming a free agent at age 29.
This isn’t an ideal situation for Hooker.
On Thursday, Detroit head coach Dan Campbell discussed the plan for Hooker this summer with reporters.
Campbell hopes Hooker can develop into Goff’s primary backup by the end of the summer.
“Yeah, really he (Hooker) just needs to take a step up,” said Campbell (via SI.com). “We need to feel like, by the end of camp, this guy can run this offense. We need to know he can process the information, get us into the right play, and keep things steady. That’s it. We don’t need him to come in and win a game, just to feel confident that he can handle things.”
“So obviously, he’s going to need to take another step up,” added Campbell. “The good news is that he’s getting a ton of reps right now.”
Hooker didn’t play as a rookie last season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered at Tennessee in late 2022.
Lions HC Dan Campbell outlines the plan for former Vols QB Hendon Hooker following Jared Goff’s contract extension.
It sounds like Hooker will need to stay ready and prepare as if he’s the starter while waiting for his opportunity.
The good news for Hooker is that an opportunity will likely arise at some point (though it’s uncertain when). The North Carolina native must be ready to take full advantage of it when it comes, as chances to prove oneself in the NFL can be rare.
