Lions not looking to move on from QB Jared Goff next year

With as many as five quarterbacks projected to be taken in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, many draft experts expected the Detroit Lions to use one of their two first-round selections on a QB.

However, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions are committed to Jared Goff under center for the foreseeable future, making it less likely they draft his replacement in April.

“As sources have explained, Goff is believed to be their starting QB; period,” Rapoport wrote. “Not just until someone else comes along. …The plan is for Goff to be in Detroit for the future. …If Goff continues to impress and Detroit doesn't need to select a QB in this draft, that pick could end up being used on a top position player or a perfect pick to trade. There's plenty of time left until then, but where it stands right now is a huge positive for Detroit.”

Goff is having arguably his best year since his back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2017 and 2018. He’s tied for fifth in touchdown passes (22), and he ranks seventh in passer rating (97.9) and eighth in passing yards (3,352). He’s also tied for the second-most passes of 20 or more yards (44) and he’s tied for the fourth-most passes of 40 or more yards (8).

The Lions are projected to have the No. 4 and 15 picks according to the updated NFL Draft order as of Monday morning, which can be used to shore up Detroit’s 31st-ranked defense.

Alabama’s Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker are the five highest-rated quarterback prospects in the 2023 draft class.