DETROIT – The Detroit Lions have been fortunate to retain offensive coordinator Ben Johnson over the past few years, especially considering he’s been one of the most sought-after head coach candidates in the NFL. However, that streak is expected to end in 2025, with Johnson likely to be hired as a head coach this offseason. His three potential destinations are the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders.
While both the Jaguars and Bears already have their quarterback situation settled, the Raiders find themselves without a clear starter at the position. This has led some to speculate that the Raiders might look to trade for Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker if they bring Johnson on board.
Hondo Carpenter, an insider for the Raiders, raised this possibility on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast, saying:
“Ben Johnson is clearly the [Raiders’] No. 1 target. So what would you trade for a Hendon Hooker?” Carpenter continued, “He’s got a couple years’ experience in the Ben Johnson system, so he comes in… and competes, and you could still go draft a guy. You still have Aidan O’Connell there, so he instantly competes.”
This makes a lot of sense for Las Vegas, as adding Hooker could provide much-needed depth and competition at quarterback. Carpenter noted that, at the very least, Hooker would challenge O’Connell and any rookie the Raiders may select in the 2025 NFL Draft. Las Vegas also has Gardner Minshew under contract for 2025, though cutting him would come with minimal penalty.
Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hooker has yet to see significant action in regular-season play due to the presence of veteran quarterback Jared Goff. With Goff signed through 2028, Hooker’s path to a starting role in Detroit seems unlikely unless injury strikes. Given his limited opportunities with the Lions, Hooker could very well be open to a trade, especially with two years remaining on his rookie deal.
In a surprising turn, Johnson initially wasn’t planning to interview with the Raiders. However, after Las Vegas minority owner Tom Brady reached out to him through back channels, Johnson agreed to take the meeting. Since then, momentum has been building for Johnson to take over as head coach in Las Vegas, making it a very real possibility. If the Raiders do hire him, we could very well see them pursue a trade for Hooker as part of their quarterback solution.
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Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff backs Michigan, picks against Ohio State
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a significant game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, but they’re also keeping an eye on the College Football Playoff national championship set for Monday. Ohio State and Notre Dame will battle for the title, and it’s clear many Lions players are invested in the outcome.
When asked to pick a winner while heading into the facility, several Lions players made their choices. However, starting quarterback Jared Goff made sure to make his stance known. He chose Notre Dame to win the championship and, looking directly into the camera, said, “Go Blue.”
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame… who ya got? 🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/nlgBvlB0L9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 17, 2025
Although Goff played quarterback at Cal in college, he’s been vocal about his support for the Michigan Football program. In fact, Goff has openly identified as part of the maize and blue faithful, particularly when discussing the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. When asked by former Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan about the rivalry, Goff was quick to answer.
“You’re in a state that’s very divided from a college standpoint,” Lewan reminded Goff. “Who do you side with, Michigan or Michigan State?”
Without missing a beat, Goff responded, “Michigan, Michigan.” He continued, “And not just because you’re sitting here. It’s just because where I live and nearby here, it’s a lot of Michigan alum. And so, I really don’t know many Michigan State alum personally.”
This may sting a bit for the Spartan fans who also support the Lions, but if Goff leads Detroit to a Super Bowl win, it’s likely those Spartan fans will find a way to forgive him.
