Former Tennessee Star Hooker Signs With Titans

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Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker has signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he will serve as the backup to last year's first-round draft pick Cameron Ward. Hooker has bounced around the NFL, previously spending time with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and New York Jets, but has yet to see significant playing time at the professional level.

Why it matters

Hooker was one of the best quarterbacks in Tennessee history, coming close to winning the Heisman Trophy before suffering a season-ending injury. His return to the Volunteer State as a member of the Titans will be welcomed by many Tennessee fans, even if he is not expected to see the field much as Ward's understudy.

The details

In his NFL career so far, Hooker has appeared in just three games, completing 6 of 9 pass attempts for 62 yards. He will now compete with Will Levis, another former SEC quarterback, for the Titans' backup job behind Ward, who was the team's first-round pick in 2025. The Titans also signed veteran Mitchell Trubisky earlier in free agency.

• Hooker was the backup QB for the New York Jets this past season.
• He was previously a member of the Detroit Lions, who drafted him, and the Carolina Panthers.

What’s next

Hooker will compete with Will Levis throughout the offseason and preseason to determine who will be the Titans' backup quarterback behind Cameron Ward.