Review of the Lions for 2023: Jared Goff Leads Historic Season
It was widely believed that quarterback Jared Goff, who the Detroit Lions acquired in a trade involving Matthew Stafford, would serve as a bridge quarterback while the team was rebuilt.
That has turned out not to be the case after three years. Goff won two postseason games, including a victory over Stafford and the franchise he used to play for. He also guided the Lions to their first-ever NFC North championship.
The seasoned passer has now established himself as the group’s quarterback for forward, and this winter, he’ll probably sign a contract. But going into 2024, the deal and the absence of a seasoned backup on the roster add intrigue to the position.
This is a look at the Lions’ quarterback situation as we approach the offseason.
Justification for optimism
Over the past two seasons, Goff and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have had a successful working relationship. If Johnson decides to return for another season as head coach, the offense will continue to operate at a very high level.
In his previous 27 starts, Goff has gone 20-7 since the Lions’ 2022 season began with a 1-6 record. He has demonstrated the intangible leadership traits required to lead a team to victories in crucial games while playing at a high level.
He most recently led the Lions to the NFC Championship game while playing without committing any turnovers. His cool-headed approach has been ideal for the team’s ascent to the top of the NFL standings.
Goff has dispelled the notion that he is a quarterback for the future and will probably receive a hefty contract extension this offseason. His strong conclusion to the 2022 campaign was not an anomaly, as he finished fourth in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards this season.
With Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta remaining under contract, the Lions will have a loaded roster in 2024.
There is therefore a lot of hope that the seasoned passer will keep performing.
Teddy Bridgewater declared his intention to retire at the end of the 2023 season, thus the Lions go into the offseason without an experienced backup option.
It’s improbable that the well-liked veteran will return because Bridgewater was already appointed head coach of Miami Northwestern High School. He didn’t participate other than in game-ending kneeldowns, but he was a reliable and well-liked figure in the locker room.
Detroit will be sad to lose him as it will likely give Hendon Hooker the backup position. Despite not playing in a game this season, the 2023 third-round pick gained useful practice repetitions after being added back to the active squad toward the end of the year.
Although the squad has been lucky to have Goff play for two straight seasons, this is a hard accomplishment to maintain. It is crucial to have a reliable backup as a result.
It’s unclear what the Lions have in Hooker because he hasn’t played in the NFL during the preseason.
The biggest query
How will Goff’s extension seem? Although there is currently plenty of salary cap money available to the Lions, quarterback extensions are in high demand. It’s unlikely that Goff will receive a modest deal because he just appeared in the NFC Championship game.
Alternatively, he may aim to become one of the league’s highest-paid players by accepting an extension worth approximately $50 million. Anticipated to turn 30 in 2024, he may still have many prosperous years ahead of him.
Will the Lions offer him a long-term contract extension, or will they cut a shorter one with a higher AAV? Given how strongly general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have spoken in favor of Goff, the organization may decide to commit to him for four to five years this offseason.
The Lions could thus get a good deal with the passer. If so, how will this affect the remaining members of the supporting cast of the team?This summer, Penei Sewell and Amon-Ra St. Brown are both available for extensions, and both will get high salaries.
In order to keep their recent draft picks, Brad Holmes and the Lions’ coaching staff will need to manage the cap. It will be interesting to see how they handle everything in this situation, especially Goff’s extension.
