A recent mock draft has the Detroit Lions targeting a new backup quarterback. CBS analyst Josh Edwards suggests the team could select two-time NCAA champion Carson Beck. The move would add a proven winner to support starter Jared Goff.

“Beck will be drafted as an early-career backup with future NFL starting potential. Betting on the latter is rich for my blood,” wrote The Ringer’s Todd McShay. “...I could see him having a similar career as a high-end backup who can win games when called on.”

Beck could be the answer for the developmental quarterback prospect that the Lions are looking for. During the 2026 NFL Combine, Beck was rated 6.14 with an exceptional production score of 84. He managed 3,813 passing yards with 30 touchdowns across 16 starts. But drafting him won't be about the stats.

Since 2022, Goff has played all 17 games in each season. From 2022 to 2025, he threw for 18,206 yards, while scoring 130 touchdowns. 

But that would not be the case forever. Considering those unforeseen events, a backup development quarterback would be an option for the Lions. He helped push the Hurricanes all the way to a championship appearance.

Over his college career, he threw for 11,725 yards, 88 touchdowns, and just 32 interceptions while completing 69.5 percent of his passes. At one point, he was even viewed as a potential first-round pick, which shows the level of trust teams had in his profile.

Why Bringing In a Backup QB Is Crucial for the Lions

Goff has been pretty durable in the last 4 years, but if he were injured, there was one troubling part. Last season, when they had to replace Kyle Allen, they brought in Teddy Bridgewater to replace him.

However, considering he's not taken a single in-game snap for the Lions, bringing him in if Goff gets injured would be a tough ask. We saw what happened for the Denver Broncos when their QB was injured in the Championship Game.

That's why there are trade options available for the Detroit Lions as well. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report suggested two names as trade options: Tanner McKee and Spencer Rattler. Do you think they're a better option than Carson Beck?

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar