It is the calm before the storm in downtown Detroit. With his maroon blazer, white dress shirt, khaki pants, and brown loafers, Lions quarterback Jared Goff looks more like a Fortune 500 CEO than a starting NFL quarterback.

Through a partnership with Jared Jewelers, Goff has just surprised some of the Lions biggest fans with the same Breitling watches that the quarterback gifted the team’s offensive linemen with during the season. We sit in a cigar bar where cameras have replaced smoke for the afternoon as Goff turned the historic venue into his temporary office for media members.

For all the mutual love between Detroit and Goff, the former No. 1 pick still faces an uncertain future with the Lions. Goff is heading into the final season of his current deal, and the quarterback offers a five-word philosophy when the discussion turns to his future. Could a long-term contract get ironed out before the season starts?

“Just play it by ear,” Goff explains during an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports on April 23, 2024.

The quarterback continues with his thought process about the ongoing negotiations with the Lions. Goff admitted that there have been contract discussions but prefers to let his agent and the Lions front office “do their jobs.”

“There have been discussions, but I’ll let them do their jobs,” Goff added.In the coming days, Detroit will break the attendance record for the NFL draft. Goff will share the stage with Detroit legends like Eminem, Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson to officially kickoff the 2024 NFL draft. Lions fans have been starving for a winner, and Goff, head coach Dan Campbell and company have obliged.

Detroit was two quarters away from making the Super Bowl, before the San Francisco 49ers’ second half comeback to notch a 34-31 victory in the NFC Championship. Goff emphasizes that he wants to remain in Detroit and “win championships.”

“Just want to win,” Goff on his goals for the future. “Just want to win. Want to win championships. wish to play in Detroit for a very long time and bring a Super Bowl here.”

The Lions signed star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a contract extension ahead of the draft, but the wait is still on for Goff. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on April 24 that “no deal is close at this time” between Detroit and Goff.