As the Detroit Lions enter the summer, one of the top priorities for general manager Brad Holmes is an extension for quarterback Jared Goff, who is now entering the final year of his contract. Now that the season is over, those discussions are undoubtedly heating up.
Back in late December, ESPN Lions beat writer Eric Woodyard raised the key question about Goff’s contract deal.
“One question remains: how long should the Lions extend Goff? Will this be a short-term extension, or something more like four to five years?
Goff’s new agreement is expected to be worth between $45 and $50 million per year. The most typical forecast for Goff is four years, which would take him through the 2028 season.
At this point, Goff’s strengths, shortcomings, and limits are widely understood. But he will remain the Lions’ quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Former NFL general manager cautions against Jared Goff deal extension.
Former Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff recently spoke with ESPN’s “This is Football” to anticipate the NFL offseason. One of the things discussed was the Lions and Goff’s upcoming contract deal.
“Look, I believe Jared Goff has done a lot of good for that organization and, of course, Brad Holmes. “Congratulations to him; there were a lot of darts thrown early on,” Dimitroff stated. “When I look at him, I think, of course, you have to be competitive with him. I don’t think you can be held accountable; you must be cautious about how far you go there. You can look that agent and Jared in the eyes and tell them, ‘Look, we want you here, and here’s our number.’ I don’t think you go overboard with it…
Dimitroff’s first comment is correct, as the Lions must find a fine balance with Goff’s contract extension. But then he went a bit too far.
“It’s not like he’s in the prime of his career,” Dimitroff continued. “I’m quite amazed with what he’s done. I had to raise my hand; I wasn’t anticipating that.
Goff will turn 30 during the following season (October 14). So, while he is not a young quarterback, he is far from elderly or past his prime. It is acceptable and, to some extent, justified to question where his upside lies from here. However, to claim that he is approaching the decline phase of his career is a stretch.
Whatever Goff’s contract extension looks like, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press relayed along information he received during Super Bowl week.
Indeed, the Lions don’t have a clear option to Goff as their starting quarterback. However, they don’t appear to want one, right or wrong, for at least a few years beyond next season.
