Lions Sign 3-Year Starting QB Behind Jared Goff After NFL Draft

“[He is a] three-year starter with solid passing production relative to the lack of protection he saw in 2025,” Lance Zierlein of NFL Network wrote. “Altmyer has experience in pro passing concepts and shows decent eye discipline/patience to give the play a chance.”

Altmyer, who turns 24 years old in October, amassed 7,607 passing yards, 57 TDs and 21 INTs on a completion rate of 64.4 percent over his three seasons at Illinois (35 games). He also played two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to the Big Ten ahead of the 2023 campaign.

That said, he is going to have some distinct problems with the transition of his game to the next level.

“He throws with adequate anticipation into zone windows but a slower operation time and lack of arm talent hurt his chances of beating tight man coverage,” Zierlein continued. “Edge pressure sneaks up on him and he hasn’t learned to avoid sacks often enough. Altmyer could have a tough time beating out pro backups for a roster spot.”

Luke Altmyer Joins Teddy Bridgewater as Backup QBs to Jared Goff in Detroit

GettyDetroit Lions backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Altmyer joins Goff and Teddy Bridgewater on the QB depth chart heading into May.

Bridgewater inked a $1.8 million deal to return to Detroit as a backup after playing behind Goff for two years in 2023 and 2024. He spent last season as a reserve with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bridgewater has appeared in 83 games with 65 starts to his credit (33-32). A former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings and a one-time Pro Bowler, Bridgewater has tallied 15,182 passing yards, 75 TDs and 47 INTs on 66.3 percent passing over the course of his professional career.

Goff has not needed much relief over his five years with the Lions. He missed three contests during his first campaign in Detroit in 2021 and has started all 17 games in each of the four regular seasons since.

Lions May Look to Add Another QB This Offseason Via Trade or Free Agency

GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Given Altmyer’s shortcomings, and the fact that he is just the third quarterback with the team following the draft, it would not be surprising if the Lions look to add another signal-caller as they move through the offseason and into the preseason.

An established veteran would make the most sense in the QB room given how little Altmyer and Bridgewater are going to earn between them, assuming Altmyer remains on the roster into the regular season.

Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts and Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans are both potential trade candidates that the Lions could pursue if they choose. There are also several quarterbacks still available on the free agent market, including Super Bowl winners Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.

Others veterans Detroit could look to add include Tyrod Taylor, Jimmy Garoppolo and Josh Dobbs.