NFL cutdown day always brings tough decisions, and this year is no different for the Detroit Lions. According to Eric Edholm of NFL.com, two Lions veterans, quarterback Hendon Hooker and wide receiver Tim Patrick, have been identified as potential cut candidates as the team trims its roster down to 53.
Detroit Lions cut candidates
Hendon Hooker’s Uncertain Future
When the Lions selected Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the hope was that he could eventually grow into a trusted backup and maybe even a starter. But two years in, patience is wearing thin.
Hooker has struggled throughout the 2025 preseason, completing 16-of-29 passes for 117 yards with two interceptions and two lost fumbles across three games. In contrast, veteran Kyle Allen has been sharp, hitting 30-of-39 throws for 335 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks.
That performance gap has put Hooker firmly “on the outside looking in,” per Edholm. The Lions could choose to keep three quarterbacks, but the question becomes: how long can they justify investing in a project that hasn’t shown enough progress? It’s telling that in last year’s playoff loss to Washington, Detroit leaned on Teddy Bridgewater rather than Hooker when depth was tested.
Tim Patrick’s Battle at Wide Receiver
The other name on Edholm’s list is veteran receiver Tim Patrick, who was a steady presence for Detroit in 2024 after battling back from two consecutive season-ending injuries. Patrick played in 16 games last year, starting nine, and finished with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns.
On paper, that production looks solid, but the Lions’ depth chart has changed. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa has impressed throughout camp, and younger receivers are pushing Patrick further down the rotation.
Edholm notes that if Detroit feels comfortable with its overall experience at the position, Patrick could be the odd man out. That doesn’t mean he’ll be out of work for long, though. Teams like the New York Jets could be interested in his services, as Patrick still brings value as a reliable veteran pass-catcher and a strong blocker on the perimeter.
The Bottom Line
Roster cut season is always a mix of performance, depth, and future planning. For the Lions, Hendon Hooker and Tim Patrick are two veterans who could find themselves in tough positions as the 53-man roster deadline approaches.
Whether Detroit ultimately moves on or keeps them around for depth, both players’ situations highlight the reality of the NFL: nothing is guaranteed, even for established names.