The unique career of former number one overall pick Jared Goff went down yet another unexpected path on Monday, as the Detroit Lions will reportedly give the quarterback a four-year, $212 million extension with $170 million guaranteed according to Adam Schefter. The contract makes Goff a higher-paid quarterback than Matthew Stafford, the player who the Los Angeles Rams acquired when they sent two first round picks and a “salary dump” to the Lions in 2021.
Former Rams exec and current Lions GM Brad Holmes insisted three years ago that Detroit traded for Goff with the intention to make him the long-term quarterback, but few believed that was realistic at the time. Now Goff is coming off of his second career NFC Championship game, leading the Lions to only their second-ever NFC Championship in the Super Bowl era.
The Lions have had a top-5 offense in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1970-1971.
Just two years ago, the Rams gave Stafford a four-year, $160 million contract right after winning the Super Bowl. Now it’s a question of whether Stafford will want to play on that deal next season or ask for another re-up after Goff made more guaranteed money than he has total money. Stafford’s $40 million per season ranks 11th in the league now. Goff’s $53 million per season ranks second.
