Andrew Buller-Russ
After missing the postseason in their first two years, the Detroit Lions started to get used to making the playoffs under Dan Campbell, doing so in 2023 and 2024. But the Lions missed out on playing postseason football in 2025.
While Jared Goff didn’t miss any time due to injury, the Lions need to be prepared for everything involving their QB, who will turn 32 in October. Plus, he’s only under contract through 2028. At some point, the Lions might start thinking about their long-term future.
Heck, we’ve already seen Lions general manager Brad Holmes plan ahead by investing a third-round pick in Hendon Hooker back in 2023, but he played in just three games before getting released. Could the Lions eye another developmental QB soon?
Related: 7 NFL Players Who Could Get Traded in June
One potential solution could be to trade for or sign Anthony Richardson if the Indianapolis Colts end up releasing the former No. 4 overall pick. Richardson requested a trade from the Colts back in February, so anything could happen as cutdown date eventually approaches.
Recently, ESPN’s Ben Solak suggested that the Lions could present a trade offer to land Richardson in Detroit, and his idea was to send a 2027 fourth-round pick to Indianapolis in exchange for the QB, plus a 2028 seventh-round selection.
“Backup quarterback has been an issue for the Lions, as Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen have not been enough to stop the team from yanking Teddy Bridgewater away from high school coaching in Florida. General manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell tend to like quarterbacks with bigger bodies, so Richardson is a good fit. Campbell is an elite motivator who might help light a new fire under Richardson, either as a backup who prepares the right way or as a spot starter in the event of a Jared Goff injury.”
ESPN’s Ben Solak on Anthony Richardson trade
The only other QB on the roster, after Goff and the 33-year-old Bridgewater, is undrafted rookie Luke Altmyer. In other words, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Lions are still seeking more depth at the position, and a developmental option could be the path they take.
Related: 5 Russell Wilson Landing Spots Ahead of NFL Training Camps
