With the NFL Combine now behind us, the focus shifts to free agency, with the tampering period set to begin on March 10 at
12 p.m. ET. We are starting a series to preview each position and potential signings that might meet the Detroit Lions’ needs.
While the Lions have three quarterbacks currently on their roster, aside from starter Jared Goff, they lack significant experience at the position.
Hendon Hooker and Jake Fromm have each played a limited number of snaps—33 and 113, respectively—during their short careers. Although the team seems confident in them as backups to Goff for the future, it would still be prudent for the Lions’ front office to consider other quarterback options in free agency.
With a mix of veteran quarterbacks and promising younger players hitting the market soon, Detroit must decide how they want to shape their quarterback room for 2025.
Lions Free Agency Preview: Quarterbacks
Under contract: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker, Jake Fromm
Free agents: Teddy Bridgewater (free agent profile)
Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys
2024 stats: 4 games (1 start), 25-of-41 passing for 266 yards and 1 INT, 11 carries for 41 yards
The name of the former third-overall draft pick may trigger an instant “NO!” from some Lions fans, but Lance’s connection with a new member of Detroit’s coaching staff could give him an opportunity with the team as the new league year begins.
Tyler Roehl, the new tight ends coach, was Lance’s offensive coordinator for his final two seasons at North Dakota State. This relationship might be just what the 24-year-old quarterback needs at this stage in his career.
Lance is an athletic quarterback with a lot of potential left. His career, however, has been derailed by unfortunate injuries, starting with minor setbacks in his rookie season, followed by a season-ending ankle injury in his second year. After losing the starting job to Brock Purdy in 2023, Lance was traded to Dallas, where he served as the third-string quarterback.
The major criticisms of Lance’s play are things that can be developed. He doesn’t have ideal NFL arm strength and has been inconsistent with his accuracy, but he is coachable. Lance is known for being a film-room enthusiast and would be a valuable addition to the quarterback room, providing an extra set of eyes on game days.
Lance’s potential contract is a bit uncertain. Dallas opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, which would have cost over $22 million in 2025, so he is now a free agent.
Spotrac estimates his value for 2025 to be just under $2.1 million, despite averaging over $8 million per season during his four-year career. If the Lions can secure him at that lower price, Lance could be an exciting developmental project behind Goff and Hooker as a third-string quarterback.
Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos
2024 stats: None
The former first-round pick of the Jets was traded to Denver last offseason with the hope of earning a starting spot, but was overshadowed by rookie Bo Nix. Wilson spent all of 2024 as the Broncos’ third-string quarterback without stepping onto the field for any snaps.
What makes Wilson an intriguing option for the Lions is his previous connection to new offensive coordinator John Morton. Morton worked as Wilson’s passing game coordinator during the 2024 season in Denver.
Wilson, who has 33 career starts, could benefit from joining a system with which he already has some familiarity. The Lions could also benefit by having an experienced backup quarterback who could compete with Hooker for the second-string job, providing reliable insurance should Goff go down.
Wilson’s style of play is similar to Goff’s in some ways. He’s a much better pocket passer than a dual-threat quarterback. His strength lies in his arm and his success with play-action passes.
However, he struggles with accuracy and decision-making, often forcing throws to his first read regardless of the situation. These flaws might be less of an issue as a backup, where he won’t need to carry the load as a starter. With time under Mark Brunell, Wilson’s weaknesses could be addressed.
Wilson’s price tag may be higher than Lance’s, as some teams may still view him as a viable starting-caliber backup. Spotrac places his estimated value at around $3.3 million per year.
Kyle Trask, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 stats: 4 games (0 starts), 1-of-1 passing for 5 yards, 5 kneeldowns
The life of an NFL backup quarterback is not always glamorous. Take Kyle Trask’s stat line for 2024, for example. Over his four years in Tampa Bay as a backup to Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield, Trask appeared in seven games, completing a total of four passes.
Why would Trask be a good fit for the Lions? There’s a reason he has stuck around in Tampa for so long, and it’s not for his on-field production. Trask has been a valuable asset in practice, helping to break down film, study the playbook, and assist the starters from the sideline.
Trask is a traditional pocket passer who could thrive behind Detroit’s strong offensive line. Though he’s the most accurate of the quarterbacks listed here, he struggles the most under pressure, even with solid protection.
His primary strength is his football IQ—he reads defenses well and can go through progressions, but his physical tools don’t always match his mental ability at quarterback.
If signed, Trask would compete directly with Jake Fromm for the third-string quarterback position. He would be a low-cost signing, with his salary likely not exceeding $1.5 million per year.