Lions sign 7924-yard QB to free agent contract after draft from Big Ten originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Detroit Lions obviously have a starting QB in place with Jared Goff.

They added to the quarterback depth chart on Saturday after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, though.

Former Illinois QB Luke Altmyer is signing with the Lions, source said. pic.twitter.com/U6rnaWiehF

Altmyer is a talented athlete who threw for 7,924 yards and 60 touchdowns in his college career.

He originally went to Ole Miss before starting for the Fighting Illini for three seasons.

In 2024, he threw 22 touchdowns and six interceptions, and then it was 22 TDs and five INTs in 2025.

He threw for a career-high 3,007 yards on a career-best 67.4% completion rate in 2025, as well.

Altmyer also ran for five touchdowns in his final college season.

He's 6-foot-2 with solid mobility and accuracy. Many thought he'd be taken in the sixth or seventh round of the draft.

Instead, Altmyer went undrafted and got to pick his destination.

He chose the Lions, where he'll get a chance to learn from Goff and be in a group that wants to bounce back and make the playoffs. That all should be positive for his development, and he'll try to prove he deserves to stick around.