The Detroit Lions have jolted their quarterback room, trading Hendon Hooker and a 2025 seventh-round pick (No. 222) to the Tennessee Titans for Will Levis, sources confirm to ESPN. After a 15-2 season ended in a playoff loss to Washington, GM Brad Holmes is shaking up the backup race behind Jared Goff.
Goff, a Pro Bowl anchor with 4,200 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2024, remains untouchable. But Hooker, a 2023 third-rounder, faltered—completing 6 of 9 passes for 62 yards—and lost his backup role to Teddy Bridgewater late last season. Kyle Allen’s $1.27 million signing offers veteran depth, yet Holmes sought a spark.
Levis, Tennessee’s 2023 second-round pick, brings raw talent. He threw for 1,808 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie but stumbled in 2024 with turnovers. With the Titans eyeing Cam Ward, Detroit pounced, landing Levis’ $9 million cap hit through 2026 (Spotrac).
The trade signals doubt in Hooker’s future. @LionsPride tweets: “Levis over Hooker? Holmes is bold!” Reddit’s r/detroitlions buzzes: “Mayo guy’s arm could shine here!” Levis, dubbed “mayo-loving” for his quirky coffee habit, joins Allen and Jake Fromm in a revamped competition.
Holmes’ move leverages Detroit’s $42.36 million cap space. Levis offers upside—his 4,559-yard Kentucky season hints at potential—while Hooker’s 6.8 yards per attempt failed to inspire (PFF). Titans gain a developmental QB and a late pick, a fair swap for both sides.
Lions fans recall Levis’ flashes against Pittsburgh in 2023. @LionsHype: “He’s raw, but Detroit’s the place to grow!” With Goff’s deal running through 2028, Levis can learn without pressure, a luxury Hooker lacked.
The 2025 Super Bowl looms large. If Goff stumbles, Levis could steady the ship. @MotorCityFaithful: “Holmes cooking—Lions mean business!”
Training camp will decide the backup throne. Has Detroit found its future, or is Levis just another gamble?
