Goff was briefly knocked out of the team’s divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, forcing the Lions to turn to veteran Teddy Bridgewater in relief. Bridgewater retired following the 2023 season and took up a job coaching high school football, but came out of retirement and rejoined the Lions late in the season.
The team’s decision to skip over Hooker has led to speculation about his long-term future in Detroit, leading one insider to suggest the team could bring in a new option this offseason.
“If the Lions don’t see a future with Hendon Hooker, Wilson is someone who could come in and get a chance to impress at camp,” Payton wrote. “Frankly, even if they do stick with Hooker, bringing in Wilson this summer is worth it to see what he can do in a good situation with guys that have rebuilt a quarterback into an MVP-level player.”
Wilson did not see the field in the 2024 season, falling to third string behind rookie Bo Nix and veteran Jarrett Stidham.
Hooker saw little playing time behind the durable Goff, appearing in three games and going 6-for-9 for 62 yards.
