Report: Lions backup QB Jake Rudock drawing interest from other teams

It has been a pretty impressive preseason for Detroit Lions backup quarterback Jake Rudock. Through three games, Rudock has completed 31 of 47 passes for 339 yards 3 touchdowns and just one interception for a passer rating of 99.5. No performance was better than Friday’s game against the Patriots, in which he went 10 for 13, throwing for 113 yards and a touchdown.

His play has been so impressive that, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he has drawn interest from quarterback-needy teams in the NFL:

This isn’t the first time Rudock has drawn interest from other teams in the NFL. As mentioned by Rapoport, the Chicago Bears reportedly tried to poach Rudock towards the end of last season, resulting in a promotion to the Lions’ 53-man roster in late December.

This presents an interesting opportunity for the Lions. Detroit has plenty of big needs on their current roster. With losses of Jordan Hill and Kerry Hyder to injury on the defensive line, the Lions have a huge need for both an interior and exterior pass rusher.

But would the Lions risk giving up their backup quarterback for a chance to upgrade another part of the roster? Brad Kaaya has not looked nearly as impressive throughout this preseason and barely got any work in the dress rehearsal game against the Patriots.

Many believe the season would be lost if Matthew Stafford goes down regardless of whether Rudock is on the roster or not. But Rudock could also eventually develop into a respectable backup in the league, and the Lions would have to start that process over with Kaaya.

Either way, it’ll be interesting to see if the Lions choose to move Rudock, if they get a respectable offer in return.