Should Detroit Lions sign seasoned quarterback hoping to return to NFL?

Given the Detroit Lions’ 12-2 record, tied for the best in the NFC, the club has undoubtedly seen a lot of injuries this season. But as the playoffs draw near, one issue begs: Should starting quarterback Jared Goff sustain an injury, what would that mean? For such a situation, would the Lions be prepared? Should it be necessary, might second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker—who has only nine total throw attempts in his NFL career—step in and guide the club?

Bringing back seasoned quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who just revealed his intentions to return to the NFL following a little break, is one possible fix to take under consideration. Spending some of his time with the Detroit Lions, Bridgewater has been coaching high school football in Florida and just guided his alma mater, Miami Northwestern, to a state title. After proving successful as a high school coach, Bridgewater showed up on NFL Network and revealed he intends to go back to the NFL, maybe in the next two weeks.

Bridgewater stated on Tuesday’s edition of The Insiders, “I wanted to win a state championship, then coach goes back to the league, see what happens, then come back in February in the offseason, continue coaching high school football.”

The Argument in Support of Signing Bridgewater

A team like the Lions, who are ready for a postseason run but may be susceptible at quarterback should Goff incur an injury, might find great value in Bridgewater’s experience and leadership. Although the Lions have invested in Hooker, who might be their future, his lack of NFL experience begs concerns about his capacity to handle a high-stress scenario, such a playoff game.

Conversely, Bridgewater has been a consistent backup during his career; he has started 66 NFL games—including one playoff game. Having tried several offensive schemes, including a brief time with the Lions, his knowledge might enable him to jump in if necessary and properly run the game.

Bridgewater’s leadership abilities are really obvious given his recent coaching success. Along with giving the club a safety net should Goff go down with an injury, he could tutor Hooker.

Believing the System

Ultimately, Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have the last say. Should the worst happen to Goff, if they really feel Hooker is ready to take over and guide the club, they can rely on their second-year quarterback to meet the challenge. On the other hand, if they feel more at ease with a veteran like Bridgewater on the roster, then signing him may provide them piece of mind should an injury arise.

Given the Lions’ postseason ambitions, particularly, Bridgewater’s possible NFL comeback would be worth investigating. Whether Hooker or Bridgewater is stepping up, the Lions must be ready for any circumstance as they enter the most crucial stretch of their season.

W.g. Brady

For numerous years, Detroit-based writer W.G. Brady has been covering Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation. Early in his 30s, he has a lot of industrial experience. Over his career, W.G. has become a reputable and informed writer distinguished for his thorough coverage of Detroit’s clubs and sportsmen. Passionate about sports and with a sharp eye for detail, W.G. has evolved into a go-to source for readers and fans seeking the most recent news and opinion on the Detroit sports scene. In the sporting world, he enjoys a high reputation for objectivity in reporting events. W.G. is renowned for his ability to find untold tales and offer original viewpoints on the teams and sportsmen he writes about. His knowledge of Detroit and its sports scene is strong, which he applies to guide his research and writing. In the Detroit sports scene, he is still a revered writer.