Calls Mount for Lions to Reintroduce Seasoned Quarterback for Crucial Position

The Detroit Lions enter the 2024 season with a stable quarterback lineup, as Jared Goff solidifies his position as the starter and second-year player Hendon Hooker is poised to assume the backup role following a rookie season marked by injury recovery.

However, the retirement of veteran Teddy Bridgewater has created a void in experienced leadership, prompting suggestions to reintroduce a familiar face. Jeremy Reisman of SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit advocates for the re-signing of veteran Nate Sudfeld, considering it a logical decision for the Lions. Sudfeld could offer stability as an emergency quarterback and contribute to Hooker’s development.

Nate Sudfeld faced setbacks due to injury in 2023, as he was expected to serve as the emergency quarterback behind Goff and Bridgewater while Hooker recuperated from a torn ACL. Unfortunately, Sudfeld suffered a similar fate, tearing his ACL in the team’s final preseason game and subsequently missing the entire season.

Despite his absence, Sudfeld remained connected to the team, undergoing rehabilitation while maintaining proximity to the team facility. In Sudfeld’s absence, the Lions enlisted David Blough to serve as the third-string quarterback until Hooker’s return late in the season.

With the retirements of both Bridgewater and Blough, the Lions have a vacancy in their quarterback roster, which Reisman believes Sudfeld could fill. While Sudfeld’s playing experience is limited, having made only six game appearances without any career starts, his tenure in the NFL since 2016 has established him as a valued presence. Additionally, Sudfeld possesses two years of familiarity with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system, and his rapport with Goff adds to his value.

Furthermore, the Lions are deliberating a significant decision regarding Goff’s contract extension. Goff has showcased his prowess since joining the Lions in 2021, delivering three stellar seasons in the NFL. His impressive performance in the 2023 season, which included ranking second in passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes, underscores his importance to the team’s success, culminating in their first NFC Championship game appearance in three decades.