The Detroit Lions signed franchise quarterback Jared Goff to a four-year extension worth $212 million on Monday. Goff had one year remaining on his contract, which means he's now contracted to the Lions through the 2028 campaign. Sophomore quarterback Hendon Hooker now faces uncertainty with Goff locked in as the starting signal-caller for the foreseeable future in Detroit.
If Goff plays out the entire terms of his contract, Hooker will turn 30 before the deal expires. Barring an injury, it's extremely difficult to envision a path to relevancy for Hooker in Detroit now that general manager Brad Holmes has committed to Goff. With competing franchises realizing this, Hooker's name could come up in trade discussions.
We've swiftly identified three teams that should consider acquiring Hooker via trade.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams have flirted with the idea of identifying an eventual successor for aging quarterback Matthew Stafford. General manager Les Snead utilized a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on former Georgia signal caller Stetson Bennett. Bennett spent time away from the team after being placed on the reserve/non-football illness list.
The Rams drafted Bennett with long-term ramifications in mind, whether as a starter or extended backup. They've now pivoted to signing Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Stafford this season, but Garoppolo is on a one-year contract. He's also suspended for the opening two games of the 2024 season. Acquiring Hooker would give the former Tennessee quarterback valuable experience as Stafford's No. 2 to open the campaign, with an opportunity to eventually play himself into a bigger role down the road.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year extension worth $100 million earlier this offseason. Mayfield deserved an opportunity to run it back after leading the Buccaneers to the NFC South division title and a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round last season. Mayfield isn’t quite as locked in long-term as Goff is, so general manager Jason Licht could still toy with finding a younger quarterback.
The Buccaneers could potentially get themselves out of the Mayfield contract after 2024 ($33.1 million in dead cap) or 2025 ($17.3 million) with manageable dead cap charges. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen was at Kentucky in 2021 when Hooker experienced a breakout campaign at Tennessee. Hooker would be an upgrade on Kyle Trask as a backup quarterback with a potentially brighter future.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants passed on opportunities to draft J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft despite facing questions over Daniel Jones' future. Jones' 2023 season failed to meet expectations after he signed a four-year, $160 million extension last offseason.
Jones has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract following the conclusion of this season, but an injury guarantee would be triggered for 2025 if Jones gets hurt and can't pass a physical. We've seen similar situations lead to benchings around the league (Russell Wilson in Denver, Derek Carr in Vegas). It's precisely why the Giants added Drew Lock earlier this offseason. Hooker could give the Giants an alternative option with a higher ceiling.
