On Wednesday evening, the Detroit Lions announced the re-signing of veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld. Contract information was not immediately accessible.
Sudfeld entered 2023 as the Lions’ presumed backup quarterback before the team made two key moves at the position. First, they selected Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and then they signed veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to serve as backup quarterback and mentor.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73237417/1609860958.0.jpg)
Sudfeld entered training camp as the third-string quarterback (with Hooker out due to a non-football injury). It was unclear if he would make the 53-man roster or spend the season on the practice squad. Unfortunately, the answer was neither, as Sudfeld tore his ACL in the final preseason game, was placed on injured reserve, and missed the whole season.
With Jared Goff back and Hooker expected to take over as backup, Sudfeld returns as a helpful veteran who can serve as a sounding board. Goff has already discussed Sudfeld’s importance in the post.
“Nate’s been awesome,” Goff said in August. “His conduct on the sideline with me has been excellent. He’s been really helpful, and I know he’s ready to play whenever his number is called.”
Sudfeld has made only six appearances in the league since being drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Commanders in 2016. During those games, he completed 25 of 37 throws for 188 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
One thing to keep in mind with Sudfeld is the new emergency quarterback rule that was approved at the owners’ meetings this week. The new rule allows teams to promote an emergency quarterback from the practice squad an unlimited number of times during the season. That could be Sudfeld’s role this season.
Leave a Reply