Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker likely isn’t going to be a starter anytime soon unless he’s traded by the Detroit Lions.
Hooker, who was selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is blocked in Detroit by quarterback Jared Goff, who is under contract with the Lions through the 2028 season.
Unless Goff suffers an injury at some point in the next two seasons, Hooker will almost certainly be stuck in a backup role. The former Tennessee quarterback undoubtedly wants a chance to start in the NFL — especially considering he just turned 27 years old earlier this week.
Hooker’s best chance to get a starting job would be via trade.
And fortunately for the former Vol, that’s a scenario that could be in play this offseason.
Sports Illustrated’s Hondo Carpenter noted on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast this week that the Raiders could be interested in trading for Hooker if the franchise hires Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach.
“[Hooker] already knows the Ben Johnson system and what if you get him for a second [round pick], or whatever you get him for,” said Carpenter (via RaidersBeat.com). “I think that’s fascinating. I don’t think it’s getting enough attention so I’m throwing it out there… I think that’s a very viable option for the Raiders. I’m not in any way reporting it’s done. Detroit would have to want to do the deal, but I think if the Raiders were to get Ben Johnson and he’s clearly the front runner…I think [Hooker] is a real possibility and I did not come up with that on my own.”
This would probably be the best case scenario for Hooker. He would at least get the chance to compete for a starting job, and he would have a head start on learning the offense because of the time he’s spent with Johnson the past two seasons.
Hooker will be 29 when he becomes a free agent in two years. If he wants any shot of landing a lucrative deal in free agency, he needs to start some games over the next two seasons.