What are Lions getting in CJ Beathard?
- DB Keener
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
With the Lions expected to sign C.J. Beathard to their practice squad in the coming days, I was wondering just what they were getting in the veteran QB.
Beathard was a 3rd Rd selection of the 49ers in the 2017 draft and has seen quite a bit of game action over the years as the primary backup to Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers) and Trevor Lawrence (JAX). He has seen plenty of game action, with 13 starts among his 32 games played. In his early years, his completion percentage was average, and he had a penchant for taking sacks and had ball security problems (both INTs and fumbles). However, his numbers have improved, albeit in shorter playing stints, as he has been in the league.
After moving on from the disaster that was Hendon Hooker, Beathard appears to give the Lions a second veteran to back up Goff, who looks to have the ability to step in and not embarrass themselves or the team in an emergency.
Of Note
There do not appear to be any direct connections between the Detroit Lions coaches, staff, or front office and Beathard; however, they did get an extended look at him several times during Dan Campbell’s tenure.
Joint Practices:
Beathard participated in joint practices with the Lions as a member of the Jaguars in August 2023 before their preseason game. No joint practices are recorded during his 49ers tenure.
Games: Beathard played against the Lions twice as a Jaguar:
2023 Preseason: Started and threw for 138 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in a 25-7 Jaguars win.
2024 Regular Season: Appeared as a backup in a 52-6 Lions win, completing 5 of 8 passes for 29 yards.
Prior to the 53-man cut, Beathard was the highest-rated free agent QB still available.
His career earnings are a little over $12.2M.
He has several famous family members, including grandfather Bobby Beathard (NFL Hall of Fame Executive), father Casey Beathard (Country Music Singer/Songwriter), and brother Tucker Beathard (Country Music Singer).
C.J. Beathard Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
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