The trajectory of the Detroit Lions franchise changed greatly in 2021. That is when they traded franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, ending what had been a productive era from a production standpoint but lacked team success.
The draft capital that the Lions received was the most important part of the trade package. Quarterback Jared Goff, who was also acquired, was viewed as a mere throw-in. Many people didn’t think he’d last more than a year or two as the starter in the Motor City, but he has defied expectations.
After a rocky first season, Goff took things to another level in Year 2. He made the Pro Bowl and finished sixth in the Comeback Player of the Year Award race. It was distinctions he earned with his performance as he was a key contributor in the Lions turning things around.
Detroit went 9-8 last season, turning things around after a 1-6 start. While the performance didn’t result in a playoff appearance, the Lions have a ton of momentum heading into the 2023 season as many people believe they are ready to become a playoff team.
Goff has been a big reason for that, providing the team with a steadying presence on the offense. That is a big reason why Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes Goff is the most important contract extension that the Lions have to work out before the 2023 season.
And, for good reason, as general manager Brad Holmes has already made mention of working something out with the former No. 1 overall pick. “We’ve had dialogue with his agent and we’re in a good place right now,” general manager Brad Holmes told WXYT-FM (h/t Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press).
There are still two years remaining on Goff’s current contract with cap hits of $31 and $31.7 million in 2023 and 2024. Those are certainly affordable numbers for a quarterback with multiple Pro Bowls on his resume who won’t be turning 29 until October.
While Goff isn’t at the same level as Joe Burrow and Justin Hebert, who could reset the quarterback market again after Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts this offseason, he is a more than serviceable player. The price of quarterbacks is always going up, evident by Derek Carr and Daniel Jones both landing contracts worth $40 million annually.
Working out an extension now would help keep Goff’s salary in the correct range instead of reacting to what other quarterbacks are receiving. It could also help the Lions open up money for 2024 when extensions for burgeoning star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell will be on deck.
