Titans Add Former Vols Quarterback Hendon Hooker

Tennessee also signs running back Michael Carter and wide receivers Lance McCutcheon and K.J. Osborn.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:48am

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The Tennessee Titans signed four free agents on Wednesday, including former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Titans also added running back Michael Carter and wide receivers Lance McCutcheon and K.J. Osborn to their roster.

Why it matters

The Titans are looking to bolster their quarterback depth behind starter Cam Ward, the 2025 first overall draft pick. Hooker, a third-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2023, will compete for a roster spot alongside veteran Mitchell Trubisky and 2022 draft pick Will Levis.

The details

Hooker was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft despite tearing his ACL in November 2022, which turned his rookie season into essentially a redshirt year. He appeared in three games for the Lions in 2024, going 6-of-9 for 62 yards passing. Detroit waived him in August 2025, and he spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets before signing with the Titans.

  • Hooker was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • Hooker appeared in three games for the Lions in 2024, going 6-of-9 for 62 yards passing.
  • Detroit waived Hooker in August 2025.
  • Hooker spent time on the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets before signing with the Titans.

The players

Hendon Hooker

A former quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cam Ward

The Tennessee Titans' starting quarterback, selected with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Mitchell Trubisky

A veteran quarterback signed by the Titans this offseason to provide depth behind Cam Ward.

Will Levis

A quarterback entering his fourth season with the Titans after spending 2025 on injured reserve recovering from shoulder surgery.

Michael Carter

A running back signed by the Titans who was previously a fourth-round pick by the New York Jets in 2021.

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The takeaway

The Titans are looking to add depth and competition at the quarterback position behind their 2025 first overall pick Cam Ward, bringing in former Volunteers star Hendon Hooker and veteran Mitchell Trubisky to challenge for roster spots.