AtoZ Sports' Mike Payton
The top spot on the quarterback depth chart for the Detroit Lions is guaranteed, with second-year signal-caller Hendon Hooker cemented as the No. 2 and starting Jared Goff as the starter.
However, according to AtoZ Sports analyst Mike Payton, the Lions could add quarterback Carter Bradley of South Alabama to the mix this summer, providing some competition to the race for No. 3. Carter performed well at the Senior Bowl, but it might not be enough to get drafted, according to Payton, who listed him as one of the ten undrafted free agents to watch in Detroit this summer.
If Bradley’s name isn’t selected in the draft, Payton suggested he may be a nice fit for the Lions.
“During practices at the Senior Bowl, I don’t think I was the only one who thought Bradley was the best quarterback,” Payton wrote. He frequently displayed sharpness and accuracy while getting the ball out quickly. But there’s a significant chance he’s still not selected in the draft.
Carter Bradley should be added by the Lions as a practice squad prospect.
Bradley was seen by Payton as a possible practice squad quarterback for the Lions, someone who could add some skill without having to compete for playing time.
“The Lions could bring him in to work on the practice squad if he isn’t selected, and then you could see what you have later on.” He might make a reliable backup. He might, at worst, emerge as the Lions’ next David Blough. Having someone with a strong football mind is undoubtedly beneficial.
Bradley is a “priority free agent” if he is not selected, according to Ian Cummings of Pro Football Focus, but that is not a given.
In the mid-to-late Day 3 area, Cummings writes, “the South Alabama quarterback might be one of the best options for teams needing a quality backup candidate.”
Cummings continued, “Bradley’s lack of creativity may max out his ceiling as a quality backup or spot starter.” However, he possesses the arm, composure, mechanical acumen, overall accuracy, baseline processing, and judgment necessary to be a reliable presence and safety net in that capacity.
For the third position, Bradley would face some competition. On March 27, the Lions revealed that they had signed veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld again for a third season. Prior to the 2022 season, Sudfeld signed a contract with the Lions, and he played in two games that year. He missed the entire 2023 season due to an ACL tear he sustained during training camp the previous season.
Major Commitment to Jared Goff is Near for the Lions
The Lions are negotiating a long-term agreement with Goff’s representation while apparently keeping a tight eye on the top of their depth chart. Insider Jeremy Fowler indicated during an appearance on SportsCenter on April 15 that there was interest in a long-term contract and a significant financial commitment from both parties.
According to Bleacher Report, Fowler stated, “He wants to be there.” “At just 29 years old, he is expected to earn roughly $28 million this year. Given his playing style, he will need to earn between $45 and $50 million annually. Therefore, finishing that will take some time.
