Steelers consider signing 3rd-round QB from SEC

The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to get eyes on a potential future quarterback on Tuesday.

Listed on the official NFL transactions log was this: The Steelers worked out QB Hendon Hooker.

Hooker was a third-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft after beginning his college career at Virginia Tech and finishing it at Tennessee.

Somehow, Hooker couldn't last even a few years in Detroit.

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He played in three games in 2024, completing 6-of-9 passes for 62 yards.

The Lions released Hooker on August 25 of this year. 

Two days later, the Carolina Panthers signed Hooker to their practice squad.

The Panthers elevated Hooker to the active roster once, in late October, before he reverted to the practice squad.

On Nov. 4, the Panthers released Hooker from the practice squad.

The 27-year old QB has been a free agent since then.

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The Steelers didn't make any announcements of signing Hooker. They're probably set right now with Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and sixth-round rookie Will Howard.

But given the expectation that Rodgers will retire, it's not a bad idea for the Steelers to at least get in-person eyes on a guy like Hooker, who had a strong pedigree but somehow hasn't panned out.

If they saw something they liked, maybe they'd consider signing Hooker in the offseason.

For now, Hooker waits for the next chance to prove himself.

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