Lions HC Dan Campbell’s Response Left Room For New Quarterback Speculations and Rumors

The Detroit Lions are heading into their Thanksgiving showdown with the Chicago Bears riding high on a stellar 10-1 record. Despite their success, injuries and long-term planning have the team exploring all avenues for improvement. Recently, rumors have linked the Lions to a newly available veteran quarterback, but head coach Dan Campbell remains tight-lipped.

Dan Campbell Addresses Quarterback Rumors

Quarterback Daniel Jones recently parted ways with the New York Giants, making him a free agent in search of a new opportunity. During a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, Campbell was asked if the Lions were considering bringing Jones on board.

“We haven’t really talked about that,” Campbell responded. “The name has come up, but it’s not like we’ve sat down and talked. So, I don’t want to give you a yes or no.”

Campbell’s response left room for interpretation. While he didn’t confirm any interest, he also didn’t dismiss the idea outright.

The coach also provided an update on Hendon Hooker, the Lions’ backup quarterback behind franchise leader Jared Goff.

“He’s progressed,” Campbell said when asked about Hooker’s development. “We’ve told him from day one, ‘We just need growth. We need you to grow every week.’ And we’ve given him opportunities in practice, good on good, to run our offense. As much as we can, we’ve put him under pressure, and we’ve done that.”

Campbell noted that every player develops at their own pace but emphasized that Hooker “is growing.”

Could Daniel Jones Be a Fit in Detroit?

NFL insider Jordan Schultz suggested on November 24 that Detroit is one of the teams expected to explore signing Jones. Schultz highlighted that Jones could join a contending team while developing within an offensive system that fosters growth.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Jones prefers to join a playoff contender, with the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings being among the potential destinations. However, Detroit remains in the conversation.

In a November 24 feature for CBS Sports, Jonathan Jones reported that a source speculated Detroit might be the best destination for Jones for the remainder of the season.

“He’d sit behind Jared Goff but offer a better backup option than Hendon Hooker,” Jonathan wrote. “Jones could learn under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the league’s most creative play-callers.”

Jonathan added that Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are strong head coaching candidates for next season. Signing Jones now would give them an opportunity to evaluate him up close.

Meanwhile, Jack McKessy of USA Today has identified other teams that might appeal more to Jones. In a November 24 article, he noted that “San Francisco may be in dire need of a stopgap quarterback as starter Brock Purdy deals with a shoulder injury.”

While the Lions have options, their quarterback situation remains a topic of intrigue heading into the holiday matchup.