Lions Gift Green Bay the Perfect Target—A Move They’ll Regret
In a blockbuster opening to NFL roster-cut season, the Detroit Lions made a move that could come back to haunt them—potentially bolstering a division rival in the process. On August 25, 2025, Detroit waived third-round quarterback Hendon Hooker, cutting him from the roster amid underwhelming preseason performance. Hooker completed just 22 of 40 passes for 187 yards, threw three interceptions, lost two fumbles, and mustered only a single scoring drive—a field goal. With Kyle Allen having surged ahead as Jared Goff’s primary backup, Hooker was shown the door.
Now, here’s why this cut is an unwitting gift to the Green Bay Packers: Should Hooker clear waivers, the Packers—known for their quarterback development prowess—could scoop him up, likely on their practice squad.
Why Hooker Makes Sense for Green Bay:
- Developmental Upside: Despite a stark rookie injury and preseason struggles, Hooker was a third-round pick for a reason. He offers a high ceiling and laid the groundwork for growth during his time with Detroit.
- Strategic Inside Track: Hooker has spent the entire offseason absorbing Detroit’s new offense under coordinator John Morton. If he lands with Green Bay, he could provide rare, potentially game-changing insight ahead of their Week 1 clash—after all, even a subtle edge matters.
Detroit’s Misstep—or Just Roster Realism?
On the surface, this seems like a calculated cut: Hooker lagged behind Kyle Allen during camp, and Detroit needs reliable backups now. But the long-term risk is handing a talented, motivated quarterback to a talented, quarterback-development hub like Green Bay.
What Comes Next:
- Waiver Watch: Hooker must clear waivers before becoming available as a free agent. If unclaimed, Packers could easily add him to the practice squad.
- Packers’ Playbook Leverage: Green Bay already improved Malik Willis’s performance dramatically last year—why wouldn’t they trust themselves to do it again?
- Domino Effect: If Hooker thrives under LaFleur’s tutelage, Detroit might regret their decision—not just for giving up a raw talent, but for fueling Green Bay’s division prospects.This feels less like a routine roster cut and more like a strategic gamble by Detroit—with the Packers standing ready to reap the
