Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff picked an unfortunate day to have his worst performance of the season. In an otherwise strong year, during the Lions’ first playoff game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, Goff threw three interceptions and completed only 57.5 percent of his passes, his lowest completion rate of the year. His passer rating of 59.7 matched his worst of the season, a mark previously reached only in a November 10 game against the Houston Texans, which the Lions won.

After compiling a 15-2 record, the best in franchise history, Detroit suffered a crushing playoff loss to Washington, 45-31. Goff, the NFL’s top overall draft pick in 2016, was thoroughly outperformed by rookie Jayden Daniels, the second-overall pick of the 2024 draft, who threw for two touchdowns, rushed for 51 yards, and posted a passer rating of 122.9 — his third-highest of the season.

Nevertheless, Goff has undeniably been crucial in the Lions’ turnaround. He was traded to Detroit in 2021 as part of the deal that sent veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. After a 3-13-1 season in Goff’s first year with Detroit, the team quickly improved. In 2022, the Lions finished 9-8, their first winning season since 2017, and in 2023, Goff led them to a 12-5 record and the NFC Championship game. The 2024 season, of course, was Detroit’s best — until the final playoff game.

Time For Lions to Start Preparing for Life After Goff

It seems unlikely that the Lions will move on from Goff anytime soon. However, according to Daniel Alameda, co-founder of Wright Sports Network, writing on Sunday, the Lions should begin preparing for life beyond Goff, whose style is becoming outdated and has not shown the ability to bring the team to a Super Bowl.

Alameda’s Sunday article for Wright Sports, titled “The Detroit Lions Will Replace Jared Goff With Joe Milton,” predicted that the Lions would pursue the New England Patriots’ rookie backup quarterback. Milton made his debut in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, impressing many with his performance.

The Patriots selected Milton in the sixth round, 193rd overall, from Tennessee last year. Known as “Bazooka Joe” for his remarkable arm strength, Milton was described as “undeniably” raw talent by Patriots writer and analyst Evan Lazar.

“Though it was only one game against backups, Milton showed real progress in his drop-back footwork and accuracy, registering a +22.5 percent completion percentage over expectation, the second-highest mark by any quarterback this season,” Lazar wrote.

The Patriots drafted quarterback Drake Maye third overall out of North Carolina last year, and Maye possesses all the traits of a franchise QB, making Milton a prime trade asset. According to Jordy McElroy of the Patriots Wire blog, Milton could fetch a third-round pick, or possibly even a second-rounder, which would be “a major win” for New England.

Milton’s Style is a Better Fit With How NFL QBs are Trending

Milton, at 6’5″ and 246 pounds, boasts a multifaceted, athletic style that aligns with the direction the NFL is headed, according to Alameda. “The Lions might be more inclined to look at a quarterback like Milton who can make plays outside the traditional pocket and exploit defenses in new ways,” Alameda wrote. “As the league evolves, the demand for quarterbacks who can extend plays and use their legs may grow, making Milton a more attractive option for the Lions as they plan for the future.”

Alameda notes that the timeline for Milton to replace Goff wouldn’t be immediate. Goff is under contract through 2028, with the Lions owing him $162 million in base salary. However, Milton would be a financially feasible addition, as he is still on a rookie deal worth $4.2 million for the next three years.

“One of the main reasons Joe Milton could eventually replace Jared Goff is the development potential he offers,” Alameda wrote. “Having played at both the University of Michigan and Tennessee, Milton has been exposed to a variety of offensive systems and coaching styles, which should help him adapt to a new system more easily than other raw prospects.”