Separating from Hendon Hooker after the former backup could not beat out Kyle Allen for the Lions’ backup job , the NFC power is still looking around at quarterback.
The two-time reigning NFC North champions brought in C.J. Beathard
and Nathan Peterman
for auditions Wednesday, per the Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers
. With Hooker now on the Panthers’ practice squad
, the Lions only have two QBs on the active roster and none on the practice squad heading into the season.
Teams almost always carry three passers into a season, with the increased flexibility for emergency third options helping clubs in this area. Jared Goff ‘s durability would point to the Lions keeping only two (Goff and Allen) on their active roster, but a P-squad presence is probably needed at some point.
Despite woeful work early in his Bills run, Peterman has put together a lengthy career as a third-stringer or backup. The 31-year-old QB spent the full 2024 season on the Falcons’ practice squad, marking his eighth year in the NFL. Previously, Peterman enjoyed reserve opportunities with the Raiders and Bears. His most recent start — Week 18 of the 2022 season — helped the Bears secure the No. 1 overall pick in 2023.
The Jets worked out this duo together in mid-August , making for an interesting overlap. Beathard spent last season with the Dolphins and Jaguars, returning to Jacksonville after being signed off Miami’s practice squad. Beathard, 31, previously lost out on the Jags’ QB2 job to Mac Jones out of training camp last year. Like Peterman, he has not caught on with a team in 2025. Having made 13 career starts (to Peterman’s five), Beathard — a former third-round 49ers pick — is the far more experienced option.