NFL Rumors: Detroit Lions Talking Extension With Quarterback Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff may have finally found a home. Speaking at his Friday press conference, general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the Lions have had "good dialogue" with Goff regarding an extension.

Brad Holmes said dialogue between the team and agents for Jared Goff and Jonah Jackson continues and has been positive. That's about as much as you'll get out of the GM on contract talks.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) September 1, 2023

Holmes would not put a timeline on negotiations and refused to acknowledge whether or not pen could be put to paper before the regular season.

The Lions acquired Goff in 2022 (along with multiple first-round picks) in exchange for longtime franchise passer Matthew Stafford. At the time, Goff's departure was seen as little more than a salary dump by the Rams, but his surprise resurgence last year is a big reason why the Lions are favorites to win the AFC North.

Goff delivered a Pro Bowl season in 2022, throwing for 4438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions at an efficient 7.02 net yards per attempt. The Lions finished fifth in scoring and first in giveaways. It makes sense for them to want to preserve that winning formula by locking up Goff.

Still, it's a stunning turnaround for a player who was seen as a negative asset two years ago. The Rams had given up on Goff despite early career success that included a Super Bowl appearance and twice leading his offense to top-two finishes in points scored. All of a sudden, a trade that helped the Rams win a Super Bowl in 2021 is looking a lot more questionable.

It will be interesting to see if that initial rejection holds Goff back on his next contract. There's a significant argument to be made he's been more effective and is more accomplished than many of the league's highest-paid quarterbacks; Justin Herbert ($52.5 million per year), Lamar Jackson ($52 million), Jalen Hurts ($51 million), and Russell Wilson ($49 million) are the four highest-paid quarterbacks in the league, and they've only led one top-five scoring offense apiece. Goff has accomplished the feat three times and is still only 28 years old.

Unfortunately for Goff, he may never shake the perception that he's a consolation prize at his position. More than likely, he'll end up with a new deal that frames him as a second-tier quarterback in the league, something that exceeds Daniel Jones' four-year, $160 million pact with the New York Giants but falls short of top-five money. And that will suit the Lions just fine. If Goff keeps playing like he has been, he'll be a bargain.