If you are worried that the Detroit Lions drafted quarterback Hendon Hooker in the third round, don’t be.

If you are worried about Hooker’s age (25), don’t be.

Worried that General Manager Brad Holmes drafted another injured player? Don’t be.

If you believe this is a wasted third-round pick. It isn’t.

Campbell and Holmes Want To Win Now

Lions Coach Dan Campbell and Holmes have demonstrated that they want to win now.

The drafting of Hooker is a sign they want to win in the long term. Hooker is nothing more than part of an insurance policy to ensure long-term success. I’ve always said Holmes is a man who plays chess, not checkers. He is the best GM in Lions history and is a man who often makes one move while thinking about the second part of the puzzle.

Hooker was not drafted to replace Jared Goff. He was not drafted to be Goff’s backup for 2023. My expectation is for Hooker to be the emergency quarterback for this season and the possible replacement for Goff when his time here expires.

Look for the Lions to sign a veteran quarterback to back up Goff. This took a major hit over the weekend when the Miami Dolphins signed the Lions first choice, Teddy Bridgewater, to a one-year $6.5 million deal that could swell to $10 if Bridgewater reaches certain incentives.

The Lions wanted Bridgewater and offered him a deal. He went out and found a better one which is too rich for the Lions blood.

More Bad News?

More bad news. The league is snapping up backup quarterbacks at an alarming rate.

The Dallas Cowboys signed Cooper Rush to a two-year contract to back up Dak Prescott. Jacoby Brissett signed with the Washington Commanders after he started 11 games for the Cleveland Browns in 2022.

The Lions want to win the NFC North before making a playoff run. That won’t happen with a quarterback room of Goff and Nate Sufeld. The NFL is a violent league. The law of averages say that Goff is injured at some point in 2023 even if it is for one series, one game or one month.

You don’t want Sudfeld throwing down his clipboard and trotting out to take over the game.

Holmes’ next move is to sign a veteran backup who will help mentor Hendon Hooker and support Goff in any way he can.
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For more from the author Terry Foster, check him out on Twitter here: @terryfosterdet

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