The Detroit Lions are making room in the quarterback room one day prior to the NFL draft.
On April 23, the team announced the release of quarterback Jake Fromm, who had signed a reserve/future contract with them earlier this offseason. Fromm had dropped on the depth chart and would likely have struggled to secure a spot on the practice squad this summer, but now he must search for a new NFL team.
Jake Fromm Was in Detroit Last Year
According to Jeff Risdon from USA Today’s Lions Wire, Fromm previously spent time in Detroit and made it onto the depth chart.
“Risdon noted that he joined Detroit halfway through training camp last summer and made a strong enough impression to remain as the unofficial third quarterback.” “The former Georgia Bulldogs standout has moved between several NFL teams following his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.”
Fromm’s path in the NFL has been quite unique. He became part of the Bills in 2020, being the only quarterback the team has selected since acquiring Josh Allen in 2018, but assumed an unusual position that year. The Bills retained Fromm on the practice squad, keeping him separated from his teammates, acting as an emergency “quarantine” quarterback who could step in if the other quarterbacks were sidelined due to the stringent COVID protocols that year.
Fromm rejoined Buffalo’s practice squad in 2021 but was taken by the New York Giants, starting two games that year and finishing 27 of 60 passes for 210 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
Lions Might Consider Another Quarterback Change
The Lions may still make additional moves regarding their quarterbacks. The team selected Hendon Hooker with a third-round pick in 2023, but he may encounter competition for the No. 2 position following the signing of veteran Kyle Allen.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes informed reporters in early April that Hooker must prove himself to secure the starting position.
“I mean, you know, we have a liking for Hendon,” Holmes stated, according to USA Today’s Lions Wire. “He suffered the injury that initial year, then the previous year was the first year he managed to complete a full training camp and participate throughout the season.” So we brought in Teddy Bridgewater as we were preparing for the playoffs and postseason, but he simply wasn’t prepared at that point, you know? “And he grasped that.”
Hooker devoted most of his first season to recovering from a torn ACL that ended his last season at Tennessee prematurely. Since then, he has faced challenges with consistency, ultimately being overtaken on the depth chart by experienced Teddy Bridgewater, who returned from retirement to join the team toward the end of the season.
Holmes stated that the team continues to have confidence in Hooker, but will not be assigning him the role.
“I’m still optimistic about [Hooker], but no one’s going to be handed a job either,” Holmes mentioned. “Therefore, if Hendon aspires to be the second-string quarterback, he should secure the No. 2 quarterback position.”
Certain analysts have proposed that the Lions might deal Hooker if he cannot secure the backup position.