Two of the more notable cuts the Detroit Lions made on Tuesday were quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive lineman Brodric Martin.
Both drafted in 2023, Hooker and Martin failed to meet expectations over their two seasons with the team and met their end in Detroit this week as a result.
Hooker showed some promise in 2024 in his competition with Nate Sudfeld, which he ultimately won. However, the Tennessee product showed zero progress in 2025 and was soundly beaten out by Kyle Allen.
Martin appeared in just five games over two seasons. Injuries were no doubt an issue, but Martin never really showed the kind of promise the Lions needed to see to keep him around for another year.
General manager Brad Holmes reflected on the two draft picks on Thursday and admitted they simply didn't pan out "in the timely manner" the Lions needed.
“I think all you can do is put all the work in and feel good when you take the player,” Holmes said. “Look, I think there’s risk involved with every single pick that you do.”
“I don’t know how much more preparation that we could have done when we select these players, but it’s just a respect of the unknown,” he added. “Unfortunately, they did not meet expectations in the timely manner that we would have liked for them to do, but you’ve just got to look at it.
"I’m a big self-assessment individual, after-action review. Look at it. Analyze it. I think we’ve already identified some areas (of improvement) already. You’ve just got to learn. You’ve just got to grow and get better.”
It didn't take long for either one to find a new home, as Hooker has signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad, while Martin is with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.
Now, both players will look to revive their careers in their new homes and the Lions will lick their wounds and move forward.
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