The Detroit Lions have stood firmly behind quarterback Jared Goff ever since acquiring him in the blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Rams that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles.

Early in his Detroit tenure, that faith was questioned. However, as the Lions rose from rebuilding team to legitimate contender, Goff gradually validated the organization’s commitment.

Even so, after a disappointing 2025 season, a new question is emerging: What is the true ceiling for the Lions with Goff as their starting quarterback?

Detroit came close to the ultimate stage when it reached the NFC Championship Game following the 2023 season. But returning to that level—or surpassing it—has proven difficult, highlighting the challenge head coach Dan Campbell anticipated when building a championship roster.

Could the Lions Look Beyond Jared Goff?

Goff remains under contract through the 2028 season, meaning the Lions are not under immediate pressure to find his replacement. Still, the unpredictable nature of the NFL means teams must always prepare for the future.

Detroit also lacks a proven contingency plan if Goff were to miss significant time due to injury, further emphasizing the importance of long-term quarterback planning.

Early 2027 Mock Draft Links Detroit to Jayden Maiava

In an early look at the 2027 draft class, Dane Brugler of The Athletic released a mock draft watchlist based on current Super Bowl odds. With the No. 23 overall pick, Brugler projected the Lions selecting Jayden Maiava, quarterback from USC Trojans football.

Brugler described the mock as more of a “watchlist of 32 prospects,” but the selection still hints at the possibility that Detroit could begin preparing for a post-Goff era.

Jayden Maiava’s Rise as an NFL Prospect

Maiava began his college career with the UNLV Rebels football, making 11 starts as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He transferred to USC in 2024, initially serving as the backup to Miller Moss before taking over as the starter for the final four games of the season.

His breakout campaign came the following year. Maiava led the Big Ten Conference in passing yards with 3,711 and paced the conference in yards per completion at 14.0. He finished the season with 30 total touchdowns, including 24 through the air, against 10 interceptions.

Despite losing two wide receivers to the NFL Draft, Maiava is expected to remain one of college football’s most productive quarterbacks during the 2026 season. Another strong year could firmly place him in the first-round conversation for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Pressure Could Mount on Goff

If the Lions fail to rebound during the 2026 season, scrutiny on Goff will inevitably increase. Detroit’s roster has been built to compete for championships, and expectations remain high.

With a manageable exit in Goff’s contract arriving in 2028, selecting a quarterback early in the 2027 draft could represent the clearest path for the Lions to prepare for the future while also applying subtle pressure on their current starter.

For now, Goff remains the unquestioned leader of Detroit’s offense. But if the team’s Super Bowl aspirations fall short again, the conversation about the franchise’s next quarterback could quickly intensify.