Lions' Dan Campbell praises Jared Goff amid Lamar Jackson speculation
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has endorsed Jared Goff as his quarterback despite whispers claiming the club should consider pursuing Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
"Listen, feel really good about it. Goff? Love Goff. Goff's our guy, man," Campbell told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero (h/t Eric Edholm). "I think he's proven over the last two years that, man, he's made for us. He's had to endure a lot, just like all of us have. I thought he played his best football last year, and I think he's gonna come out and play some of the best this year. Feel good about it. So I love our quarterback position right now."
The Lions were linked with Jackson before Baltimore used the non-exclusive franchise tag to hold onto his rights and before he revealed Monday that he requested a trade from the Ravens on March 2. Following Jackson's announcement, ESPN's Mina Kimes argued that the 2023 Lions could compete for more than just a playoff berth if they had the 26-year-old leading their offense.
Jackson allegedly wants at least $200M in fully guaranteed money and is eligible to speak with other clubs. Baltimore can then match any offer he accepts or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
"When you've got a quarterback, you hold onto those guys, man," Campbell continued during his comments. "If you really believe they can play, then those are your guys. I don't know, I don't want to get into the money. I just know this: When you find a guy that you really believe in that can help you win, then I think you do what it takes to make sure that's your guy."
Goff went 9-8 as the starter for a Detroit side that was one of the positive surprises of this past NFL season. According to ESPN stats, he finished the campaign fifth among qualified players with a 61.1 adjusted QBR, sixth with 4,438 passing yards and tied for fifth with 29 touchdowns through the air. Across 17 games, Goff tossed just seven interceptions.
It sounds like Campbell is embracing an "if it's not broken, don't fix it" mentality as it pertains to the quarterback position even though a one-time NFL Most Valuable Player is available to the Lions this spring.
More must-reads: