The Detroit Lions Should Start Thinking Beyond Jared Goff

The story of Detroit’s rollercoaster season has been dependent on how the run game goes. When the Lions can lean on Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, they usually are victorious. During games where defenses were able to stop the dynamic running back duo and put more on Goff’s shoulders, the Lions lost the majority of the time. Detroit is 6-0 in games where the leading rusher eclipses 70 yards, and 2-8 otherwise.

Having a balanced attack in every contest is ideal, of course, but not likely. Some defenses are just more stout against the run than others, forcing the man under center to do more in those situations. Goff, unfortunately, has not been able to overcome in games where he has to put the team on his back. The Lions should be aware of this and may need to have serious conversations about bringing in someone who could potentially develop into the next starting QB.

A Developmental Quarterback In The 2026 Draft?

The Lions are unlikely to take a QB early in the draft. There are too many other needs, and Jared Goff is under contract through 2028. Detroit will probably use a first and maybe even a second-round pick on the offensive line. That is especially true after the craziness surrounding the center position and uncertainty about the future of left tackle Taylor Decker.

The middle rounds are where things could get interesting. The Lions currently have two fourth-round picks and a fifth-rounder as well. Some intriguing prospects should still be available around that time, including the fifth-year senior from Arkansas, Taylen Green. Green has some mechanical issues, but at 6’6, 224 pounds, with a 4.4 forty-time, and an excellent deep ball, he is worth taking a flyer on.

Green has all the physical tools, and in the correct system with good QB coaching, he could potentially turn into a starter. The Lions may strongly consider this move, as Green could be someone’s QB1 three or four years down the line.

Another Reclamation Project?

Over the last few years, a handful of QBs who were deemed busts have resurrected their careers. Former first-rounders like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones have proven they can be starters in the NFL in more favorable situations. It is interesting what can happen when a quarterback is under a stable organization.

There have also been QBs that were handed the keys to the franchise who were not ready, and probably should have been projects. Young signal callers, such as Trey Lance and Anthony Richardson, are recent names that come to mind. These were two players who only started one full year in college, but because they were top-five picks, their organizations forced them into action.

Lance moved on from the San Francisco 49ers after two seasons and is receiving valuable experience with the Los Angeles Chargers. Sitting behind franchise QB Justin Herbert, while being under the tutelage of coach Jim Harbaugh, may be just what Lance needed.

A similar path could prove beneficial for Richardson, and Detroit may be the perfect spot for that. The skills that Goff possesses are exactly what Richardson is lacking: accuracy, great mechanics, and good decision-making. Watching and learning under Goff, as well as quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, may be the perfect scenario.

End Of My Detroit Lions Rant

There is a section of the Lions’ fan base that straight up wants Goff gone, which is ridiculous for multiple reasons. The Lions gave him a four-year, $212 million extension last year, which puts the veteran under contract through 2028. Additionally, you cannot simply go out and find a better QB. Despite his shortcomings, Goff is still pretty good on most days.

Goff has shown on many occasions, however, that he is not quite that guy when it comes to getting a team over the top. That was the case with the Los Angeles Rams, which is why the trade to Detroit for Matthew Stafford happened. It feels as though everything around him has to be perfect for him to succeed, but when a QB is making top dollar, that becomes next to impossible.

Super Bowl windows are short, and if the Lions do not make some substantial moves this offseason, it may close quickly. Running backs and, to an extent, wide receivers, age quickly. Before we know it, players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta will be at the end of their primes.

With that in mind, Detroit needs to do everything possible to capitalize on the young talent in the building. That could mean finding a new QB for the future that has a little something extra. Goff is great in structure, but sometimes you need a player who can “go get it” when the moment calls for it. That is the difference between a good regular-season team that has some playoff success and the ones that ultimately hoist the Lombardi Trophy.