The Tennessee Titans have signed quarterback Hendon Hooker, reuniting the former University of Tennessee standout with the state where he shone in college football.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans signed quarterback Hendon Hooker on Wednesday, bringing the former University of Tennessee standout back to a state where he became one of college football’s most productive and efficient passers.

Hooker, 27, returns to Tennessee after a winding start to his NFL career. A third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL Draft, he has also spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets. He has appeared in three career games, completing 6 of 9 passes for 62 yards. Detroit waived Hooker in August 2025 and later joined the practice squads in Carolina and New York.

Hooker built his reputation at the University of Tennessee, where he helped revive a program that had struggled for consistency. After transferring from Virginia Tech, he became the centerpiece of Tennessee’s offense in 2021 and quickly emerged as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country.

The @Titans have signed QB Hendon Hooker and RB Michael Carter, along with a pair of WRs – K.J. Osborn and Lance McCutcheon.

READ https://t.co/IzgxflLhm7 pic.twitter.com/oPlB8PpX0F

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) April 1, 2026

In two seasons with the Volunteers, Hooker threw 58 touchdown passes against just five interceptions, one of the best touchdown-to-interception ratios in school history.

During his 2022 season, Hooker led Tennessee to a signature victory over Alabama, ending a 15-year losing streak in the rivalry and pushing the Volunteers into the national title conversation. He finished that season with 3,135 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, while also contributing as a runner.

Hooker was considered a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy before suffering a season-ending knee injury in November. Despite the setback, his performance helped reestablish Tennessee as a contender in the Southeastern Conference and made him one of the most notable quarterbacks in the program’s recent history.

The Titans’ decision to sign Hooker reflects both his collegiate production and his potential to develop further at the professional level. 

In addition to Hooker, the Titans signed running back Michael Carter and wide receivers K.J. Osborn and Lance McCutcheon.

Carter, a fourth-round pick in 2021, has appeared in 61 games with 17 starts for the Jets and the Arizona Cardinals, totaling 1,692 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Osborn, originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, has 165 career receptions for 1,902 yards and 16 touchdowns across 87 games. McCutcheon returns after spending time with the Titans last season and has also had stints with multiple NFL teams.