The Tennessee Volunteers are still basking in the glory of their impressive season under head coach Josh Heupel, which culminated in their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. However, one of their former stars, quarterback Hendon Hooker, is facing uncertain times with the Detroit Lions.
Hooker, who was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons with the team. According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, Hooker’s future with the Lions could be in jeopardy, with the team potentially considering cutting him.
The writing seems to be on the wall for Hooker, who has thrown just nine passes in two years. The Lions’ decision to sign NFL veteran Teddy Bridgewater and push him ahead of Hooker on the depth chart raises serious questions about Hooker’s future with the team.
“Hendon Hooker’s age and lack of experience at the professional level are certainly against him,” Barnwell wrote. “However, the league is always in need of quarterbacks, and Hooker has proven he is efficient enough to hold a spot somewhere in the league.”
Hooker’s long line of experience with football put him in a position to potentially find playing time quickly at the professional level. However, it seems that the Lions might not be the spot where he finds that.
As the NFL offseason approaches, Hooker’s future remains uncertain. Will he find a new home in the league, or will he be forced to explore other options? Only time will tell.