Who Should I Start? Hendon Hooker or Cole Payton

Wednesday, April 1, 10:23 AM

The Tennessee Titans have signed free agent quarterback Hendon Hooker, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Hooker spent the final portion of his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, so signing with the Titans represents a homecoming of sorts for him. The North Carolina native was initially selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent two years in Detroit before splitting the 2025 season with the Jets and Panthers. He has appeared in just three NFL games across three seasons, all in 2024. He ultimately completed six of his nine pass attempts for 62 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also added two rushing yards and a sack. Outside of the draft capital, not a whole lot has gone Hooker's way in the NFL. He has struggled to emerge as a viable backup who is worthy of playing time. Instead, he has spent most of his career as a No. 3 quarterback. Indeed, he projects as the Titans' third- or fourth-string quarterback behind Cameron Ward, Mitch Trubisky, and possibly Will Levis.