The quarterback Jared Goff’s contract extension has been anticipated by Detroit Lions supporters throughout the offseason. But the next big offseason move that the Lions might make is signing free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report, who made this suggestion on April 27.
Given Tannehill’s background, Kasabian suggested the Lions should target him. Hendon Hooker, the backup quarterback for Detroit currently in the NFL, has never played a snap.
In 2022, Hooker placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy competition and was once a dominant player at Tennessee, according to Paul Kasabian. Yet since sustaining a terrible knee injury in November 2022 that ruined his collegiate career, he has also not participated in any sports.
It’s possible that Hooder may eventually settle in as a QB1 and have a prosperous career. However, if QB1 Jared Goff is forced to lose time owing to inexperience alone, it would also be a little unsettling to give him the keys. Tannehill has made just about $196 million during his NFL career. However, he should be reasonably priced this offseason on a one-year contract.
Tannehill will be valued $7.7 million in 2024. Tannehill started 10 games last year, going 3-5, with a 64.8% completion percentage, 4 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He was averaging seven yards per pass try. As a starter, Tannehill has an 81-70 record over his twelve-year career.
Potential Acquisitions for the Lions Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, is signed.
Teddy Bridgewater would be replaced by Tannehill, giving the Lions access to an experienced signal caller. Bridgewater filled in as Goff’s backup in 2023 as Hooker healed from his ACL tear.
This offseason, Bridgewater made his retirement official.
Tannehill was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the eighth overall choice in the 2012 NFL Draft. He began his career with 77 straight starts, then in 2016 he recorded his first winning record in a starting role.
Can the Lions Rely on Hendon Hooker to Cover for Jared Goff?
On paper, the Lions would be wise to add an experienced backup quarterback.
However, the team will have a harder time getting practice reps for Hooker if he starts this season as Detroit’s third-string signal caller. Naturally, Goff would work with the starting offense during practice, with Tannehill (if he signs) likely seeing the remaining snaps at quarterback.
However, Hooker requires those repetitions of practice to advance. Hooker is unlikely to get to the point where Detroit feels confident having him as a backup if he doesn’t work with the first or second team offense.
This complicates the decision of whether or not to sign Tannehill. In the event that Goff loses a substantial amount of time in 2024, Tannehill would probably be a superior quarterback to turn to. However, in the long run, the Lions would be better served by giving Hooker’s growth first priority.
