HC Dan Campbell: Lions don't need 'elite' quarterback to win

Since January, neither Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes nor head coach Dan Campbell has given any indication they're ready to immediately move on from quarterback Jared Goff, who had an up-and-down first season with the organization following his trade from the Los Angeles Rams that became official in March 2021. 

The Lions own the second-overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and Campbell said on Thursday he prefers to use that asset on a "day one starter" rather than on a project who would sit for at least the bulk of his rookie year. Additionally, Campbell told beat reporters he doesn't think any team requires an "elite" quarterback to consistently win in the league. 

"No, I don’t think you need that," Campbell explained, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "I think that those guys like that are obviously, they’re special. And they certainly can give you a better chance. But no, I don’t believe you have to have one of those guys to have sustained success." 

However, Campbell didn't completely pour cold water over the idea of taking a signal-caller with pick No. 2 on April 28. 

"Look, if you really love a guy, right? If you really love a guy and you know people are going to be all over him, and the only way to acquire that guy is pick them where they're at, it's something worth thinking about, especially if you think you can develop those guys," he said. 

Per ESPN stats, Goff finished his first regular season in Detroit 17th among eligible quarterbacks with a 91.5 passer rating, 24th with a 39.5 total QBR, 20th with 3,245 passing yards, and 20th with 19 touchdown passes. The 27-year-old may not be directly replaced this spring, but he likely will have to improve his stats across the board in 2022 to avoid losing his job, not to mention his spot on the roster, next year.