Following another successful season in Detroit, there was optimism that the Lions and Jared Goff would agree to an extension this offseason. While it’s been relatively quiet on that front over the past few months, it sounds like the two sides have privately started negotiations. The quarterback told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he’s discussed a new deal with the organization.
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“You never want to like say something,” Goff said today. “There’s discussions and Brad (Holmes) has said what he’s said to you guys and I’ll say the same thing. There’s been discussions. Yeah, my agent’s on top of it, he’s doing a good job and I trust those guys.”
After being replaced in Los Angeles and winning only three games during his first season in Detroit, Goff revived his career in 2022, tossing 29 touchdowns while guiding the Lions to a winning season. The team took another step forward in 2023, with Goff helping lead the squad to a 12-win regular season and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
As a result of Goff’s standout performance, the quarterback is expected to earn a lucrative extension. Back in January, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports estimated that Goff would earn an average annual value that was at $40MM-plus. While the quarterback could push for a deal that pays more than $50MM per year via the open market, it sounds like he could give the Lions a slight discount in order to stick around Detroit.
“It’s been amazing, man,” Goff said. “I love it here and would love to be here for a long time. It’s been really special like I mentioned playing in front of these fans and being able to provide a winning culture in the last year and a half or so. To see them experience that and be able to be a part of that has been fun but by no means are we satisfied or happy to be here or any of that. It’s about what’s next now.”
Goff has one year remaining on his contract and is set to earn more than $27MM in 2024. He’s still playing out the four-year, $134MM extension he signed with the Rams back in 2019.
Average to a little above average QB’s getting $50m is the league’s biggest problem. Dak, Tua, Jared, Kirk….Just aren’t premier QB’s, but must be paid like they are.
You’re not wrong. The reason salaries won’t stop growing is that the league is growing and there aren’t many good starting QB1s.
It’s why I despise the idea of expansion in Europe. There’s not enough talent at all positions for 32 teams. It’ll be like watching D2 college games instead of the best.
Pretty young still !29), playoff experienced, durable. Lock him up!
But they drafted Hooker, I think they give a Mayfield kind of deal to him if Hooker looks good in practice.
Hooker is already 26. He’s a year older than Justin Fields. I don’t think you’re going to plan on him being the QB of the future in a couple of years.
They will need to figure it out this year, that way they can take advantage of the cheap rookie deal. If they don’t have much of a difference between Hooker and Goff, they will go Hooker. The $45-50million saved from Goff can help that defense and oline. They have plenty of offensive weapons may need another big wr to help redzone.
I think it’s more realistic that they hope he’s a cheap backup with upside.
Hooker would give the Lions a dimension they haven’t had on offense since Rodney Peete or maybe Charlie Batch, a mobile QB. Mitchell to Kramer to Harrington to Stafford to Goff, none of them could run. Imagine this offense with another weapon in their arsenal for defenses to worry about.
I like Goff, but he isn’t worth $50 million a year. He has a lot do things propping him up in Detroit: great OC, great O-line, good supporting cast. Put Goff on almost any other team and I firmly believe he’s back to being an average QB again.
I’d rather have a GM prop up a QB to where he can demand a $50M a year salary than have a GM cycle thru a new QB prospect every season providing zero support. You might save some money with the later strategy but you’ll probably have a long playoff drought as well.