The Detroit Lions concluded their 2024-25 preseason on a high note, clinching a 24-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, August 24. Now, with the final roster cutdowns looming, head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes face the difficult task of narrowing down the team to its 53-man roster. With only “five or six” spots still up for grabs, according to Campbell, competition is stiff, and a notable decision awaits at the quarterback position.
Quarterback Uncertainty Looms
As NFL experts weigh in on their roster predictions, one analyst is stirring the pot with a bold projection. Brad Berreman of SideLionReport.com believes the Lions may be in the market for a new backup quarterback, casting doubt on Nate Sudfeld’s future in Detroit. In his final roster projection, Berreman included Jared Goff and rookie Hendon Hooker but left the third quarterback slot open for a “to be named” candidate.
Berreman’s take differs from other analysts who see Sudfeld as a lock for the backup job after his absence from the Steelers game. While some viewed Sudfeld’s inactivity as an indication that his spot is safe, Berreman speculates that Detroit could be eyeing a more experienced option to fill the backup role behind Goff.
“Campbell has said Nate Sudfeld has a leg up on Hooker in the battle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart here, which isn’t an ideal scenario the Lions should be embracing under any circumstance,” Berreman stated. He went on to suggest that the Lions should bring in a more credible veteran to stabilize the quarterback room, signaling that Sudfeld’s tenure could be coming to an end.
Sudfeld’s Job Security Debated
While Berreman’s predictions are intriguing, they aren’t universally accepted. Some experts, like Sports Illustrated’s John Maakaron, see Sudfeld’s inactivity in the final preseason game as a strong indication that he will be Goff’s backup this season. “Nate Sudfeld not appearing against the Steelers all but solidified his spot on the roster as the team’s backup quarterback,” Maakaron wrote.
Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit also acknowledged the possibility of Sudfeld staying on the roster. Although he wasn’t fully committed to Sudfeld making the final cut, he pointed out the significant endorsement Sudfeld received from Campbell earlier in the preseason.
Campbell, following the Lions’ August 17 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, acknowledged Sudfeld’s advantage in the competition. “Nate, right now, has the upper hand because he’s played more,” Campbell said, hinting at the likelihood of keeping three quarterbacks on the roster.
A Decision Awaits
As the Lions prepare to finalize their roster ahead of the regular season opener, the backup quarterback situation remains one of the most compelling storylines. While Sudfeld’s fate hangs in the balance, Detroit’s decision will have lasting implications for the team’s depth chart and overall confidence behind Jared Goff.
With just days left before final cuts are made, the Lions’ brain trust must weigh experience, potential, and performance to determine who will back up their star quarterback. As it stands, the decision could go in a variety of directions, but one thing is certain: the competition is far from over.
