Former Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld’s attempt at an NFL comeback hit an immediate snag.
Sudfeld was looking to return to the league after suffering a season-ending injury with the Lions in 2023 and sitting out the 2024 season. He had signed with the quarterback-needy San Francisco 49ers, but lasted just two days before being sent back to the open market.
Nate Sudfeld’s Short Stint in San Francisco
The 49ers announced on August 19 that they signed Sudfeld, adding some depth to a quarterback room hit with injuries. Backup Mac Jones had suffered an injury in training camp that was expected to keep him out the rest of the preseason, and head coach Kyle Shanahan said Sudfeld was an insurance policy.
“With Mac being out, that’s why we brought in Nate, too,” Shanahan said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Because I know we’re going to want at least two other guys to play besides Brock [Purdy], if he does go.”
But Sudfeld didn’t last long, with the 49ers announcing on August 21 that he had been released. Sudfeld will now need to find a new team to continue his NFL journey, though he will likely be competing for a spot as a No. 3 or practice squad candidate.
Sudfeld’s release likely signals that the 49ers are confident that Jones will recover in time to serve as the No. 2 behind Brock Purdy to start the season. The 49ers also brought in more depth, signing quarterback Tanner Mordecai at the same time they released Sudfeld.
Nate Sudfeld’s Rocky Stint in Detroit
Sudfeld came into the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Washington Commanders and has appeared in six NFL games, completing 25-of-37 passes (67.6%) for 188 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a 77.3 passer rating.
Sudfeld originally signed with the Lions late in the 2022 preseason, ultimately earning a spot as backup to starter Jared Goff. He resigned that offseason but suffered a season-ending torn ACL just before the start of the 2023 NFL season.
At the time, Lions head coach Dan Campbell lamented the injury and said Sudfeld had a lot to offer the team.
“He came in last year and brought something to us,” the Lions head coach said, via SI.com. “Somebody we were very comfortable with, enough to sign him back. So, I hate that, if that’s the way it goes here.”
While it’s not clear where Sudfeld will land next, the Lions have their own uncertainty at backup quarterback. The team brought in veteran Kyle Allen to compete with third-round pick Hendon Hooker for the No. 2 job. While both have struggled at times during the preseason, Allen has emerged as the favorite to back up Goff to start the season.
The Lions could have a place for Sudfeld on the practice squad, especially if they cut or trade Hooker. The team has placed high value on veteran quarterbacks who can bring a steady locker room presence, even coaxing veteran Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement late last season to back up Goff and help Hooker in his development.
Ex-Lions QB Cut Just 2 Days After Signing With New Team