BLOCKBUSTER: Lions sign former Steelers quarterback in a sneaky deal…

Ahead of their playoff game against the Washington Commanders, the Detroit Lions made an intriguing decision by changing their backup quarterback.

During the regular season, Hendon Hooker had been the backup quarterback. However, for the playoffs, the Lions decided to go with Teddy Bridgewater, who had spent the majority of the season coaching high school football.

This move cast doubt on Hooker’s future as the Lions’ next QB option for the 2025 season.

Now, the Lions have made a formal move that could either push Hooker further down the depth chart or potentially lead to his departure from the team.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Lions have struck a deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kyle Allen. This will be Allen’s sixth NFL team.

Allen began his career with the Carolina Panthers after going undrafted in 2018. In his second season, he started most of the games, finishing with a 5-7 record, 3,322 passing yards, and 17 touchdowns.

Since then, he’s made just six starts, playing for the Washington Commanders, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Steelers. During this time, he went 1-5, throwing for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns.

Now, he’ll provide the Lions with a veteran backup behind Jared Goff, a position they haven’t had to worry much about, given Goff’s durability, having played all 17 games in each of the past three seasons.

It’s a smart move for the Lions to ensure they have a stronger backup plan in place.