Are the Detroit Lions considering adding another quarterback to the roster? Jared Goff remains locked in as the starter and is coming off a stellar season, but concerns still exist about the team’s backup situation in case of injury.
Hendon Hooker is currently listed as the No. 2 option, but the former Tennessee star has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game. That’s why CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggests the Lions could pursue a well-known name: Kenny Pickett.
Benjamin notes that the Cleveland Browns — who acquired Pickett earlier this offseason — might already be willing to move on. With Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel both drafted, and Joe Flacco re-signed, Cleveland is loaded at quarterback.
“Pickett might be better off bouncing to Detroit in another trade, where the Lions could use a more experienced No. 2 behind Jared Goff,” Benjamin wrote. “Dan Campbell would like his grit.”
Though Pickett may not be a franchise quarterback, he’s started 25 NFL games and performed solidly for Philadelphia last year. At just 26 years old and with his fifth-year option declined, he’s likely a short-term solution.
Landing in Detroit could revitalize his career — and provide the Lions with added security.
The upside? The price would be low. Cleveland’s depth under center could make a 2026 late-round pick enough to make it happen.
This wouldn’t be a move to replace Goff. It’s about securing a tested backup. And if Pickett’s available? Detroit could be an ideal destination.