The Detroit Lions have few uncertainties on offense, but one notable concern is the backup quarterback position behind Jared Goff. Currently, the Lions are evaluating two options: second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker and veteran Nate Sudfeld. However, both come with questions. Hooker didn’t play last season, so his potential remains untested, while Sudfeld, with just six career games, performed poorly in the first week of preseason.
Given this situation, it might be wise for the Lions to explore other options. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggests that Taylor Heinicke, currently with the Atlanta Falcons, could be a suitable candidate for a trade. Heinicke has become expendable in Atlanta after the team signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr. this offseason. This makes him a realistic option if Detroit seeks to strengthen its quarterback depth.
Heinicke brings more starting experience than both Hooker and Sudfeld combined. He has shown himself to be a reliable option when given the opportunity, and with the Lions’ strong offensive lineup, he could effectively step in if Goff were to suffer an injury. Detroit, a team with genuine Super Bowl hopes, would not want Goff’s injury to jeopardize their season. Heinicke, likely available for a late-round pick, presents a more dependable option on paper and should be seriously considered by the Lions if they are uneasy with their current backups.
