The Detroit Lions are entering a defining offseason after a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign, and one major question is beginning to dominate the conversation: Will the Lions trade Jared Goff for a quarterback upgrade, just like the Los Angeles Rams once did?
The Rams famously moved on from Goff after five seasons and a massive contract, sending him to Detroit in exchange for Matthew Stafford—a decision that immediately paid off with a Super Bowl championship. Now, with Goff five years into his Lions tenure and Detroit once again falling short of expectations, history appears to be circling back.
Jared Goff’s Rams and Lions Careers: Similar Results, Same Questions
During his five seasons with the Rams, Goff posted a 42–27 record as a starter (42–20 under Sean McVay). However, postseason success proved elusive, as he went 2–3 in the playoffs with a 79.9 passer rating, far below his regular-season mark of 91.5.
With the Lions, Goff’s record sits at 47–33–1, nearly identical to his time in Los Angeles. His best stretch came when Ben Johnson took over as full-time offensive coordinator, with Detroit going 27–7 from 2023–2024. Still, postseason results remain modest, as the Lions are just 2–2 in the playoffs with Goff and missed the postseason entirely in 2025.
Life Without Ben Johnson Exposed Detroit’s Ceiling
In 2025, without Johnson and behind a weakened offensive line, Detroit regressed to an 8–8 record. While Goff’s raw production since 2022 is impressive—129 touchdowns, 38 interceptions, and a 103.7 passer rating—the results suggest the Lions thrive more because of their system than because of Goff himself.
When everything around him clicks, Goff is efficient. When it doesn’t, he lacks the mobility and arm talent to elevate the offense on his own.
Deep Passing and Playmaking Limitations
One of the clearest contrasts between Goff and elite quarterbacks shows up in the deep passing game.
Jared Goff (2025):
36 deep passing attempts (17th in NFL)
87.6 passer rating on deep throws (17th)
Matthew Stafford (same span):
NFL-best 9 TDs, 0 INTs
132 passer rating on deep passes
The Rams didn’t trade Goff because he was bad—they traded him because they needed a quarterback who could make difficult throws when the roster inevitably changed. That foresight has allowed Los Angeles to remain competitive even as key supporting pieces have rotated out.
Rams vs. Lions: Postseason Success Tells the Story
Since acquiring Stafford, the Rams are 30–16 when he starts over the past three seasons. Detroit, with Goff, is actually better in the regular season at 35–15 during that same span.
The difference? Playoffs.
Rams with Stafford: 5–2 postseason record
Goff career postseason record: 4–5
Rams: playoffs three straight seasons
Lions: haven’t done that since 1993–1995
The Decision Facing Brad Holmes
Now the spotlight turns to Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager—ironically the same executive who was part of the Rams’ front office when they decided to upgrade from Goff to Stafford.
Detroit must decide whether it believes it can do something no team has ever done: win multiple playoff games in the same postseason with Jared Goff.
Or, if the front office believes the roster window is closing, does it make sense to swing big?
Could the Lions Target a Blockbuster QB Trade?
With names like Joe Burrow hypothetically floated as potential trade targets, the question becomes unavoidable:
Would the Lions consider trading Jared Goff plus multiple first-round picks for a true franchise quarterback upgrade?
Or does Detroit still believe Goff simply needs three, four, or five more Pro Bowl-level players around him to succeed?
The Bottom Line
Goff couldn’t get it done in five years with the Rams.
He hasn’t gotten it done in five years with the Lions.
As Detroit looks to take the next step from contender to champion, the question isn’t whether Jared Goff is a good quarterback—it’s whether he’s good enough.
And how many more years is another franchise willing to bet on that answer?
