Chris Canty’s quarterback rankings have given Jared Goff some prime bulletin board material.

With the 2025 NFL season officially over, it’s the perfect time to collect preseason predictions that fans and analysts can later mock when they miss the mark. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is already in the crosshairs.

On Tuesday’s episode of ESPN First Take, former Super Bowl–winning defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Chris Canty released his “Canty’s A-List” of the top five NFC quarterbacks.

Placing Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford at #1? No complaints there. Stafford is a Super Bowl champion, a recent MVP, and likely a future Hall of Famer. No other NFC quarterback has achieved as much to justify a higher ranking.

But putting Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels at #2 feels questionable. Last year, Daniels had a phenomenal rookie season, even taking down the Lions in the playoffs en route to an NFC title game appearance. Yet, this past season he struggled with injuries and never seemed to recapture his rookie form. While his ceiling keeps him in the top five conversation, his current level makes the #2 spot feel premature.

Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold at #3? That’s fair. He led Seattle to a Super Bowl appearance, protected the football during the playoffs, and avoided turnovers despite leading the league in them during the regular season. He arguably could even deserve #2.

Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts at #4? Hurts is undeniably a winner, having secured a Super Bowl after previously falling short. He’s made the Eagles’ “tush push” one of the league’s most feared plays. Yet offensive struggles and limitations in his passing game raise questions about how high he should be ranked. If the offense continues to underperform under new coordinator Sean Mannion, Hurts’ future in Philly could be uncertain.

Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams at #5? Williams has proven clutch, with an impressive string of comeback victories, including in the playoffs. While he has room to improve under Ben Johnson, efficiency remains a concern—his sub-60% completion rate is a red flag for a quarterback with a strong supporting cast. Williams might hit 4,000 yards this season, but it’s too early to declare him a top-five NFC quarterback.

So, where does Goff fit? Despite ranking near the top in passing yards (2nd), touchdowns (2nd), passer rating (3rd), and completion percentage (tied for 5th), he didn’t make Canty’s list. Goff was also a first alternate for the Pro Bowl, outpacing three quarterbacks Canty included. He earned All-NFC First Team honors from the PFWA and finished fifth in MVP voting just one year ago, all while dealing with a weaker offensive line and play-calling issues.

Stephen A. Smith made a strong case for Goff, but Canty dismissed it outright, saying, “How does Jared Goff get into the chat?” That snub is classic bulletin board fodder.

Winning does matter, and by that measure, Goff’s 9–8 record last season outshines Daniels’ 2–5. He also went 2–0 against Caleb Williams. But the Lions still finished last in the NFC North, and unlike Daniels or Williams, Goff had no injuries or division titles to lean on.

Some high-profile losses—like those against the Eagles and Vikings—have reinforced lingering negative narratives around Goff. While he’s performed well, he still has room to prove himself even further. Among Canty’s top five, three are champions, and two are young stars with high potential. Goff’s “crime” seems to be that he’s neither, despite his accomplishments.

Entering his sixth season with Detroit, Goff faces immense pressure. He’ll turn 32 during the year, and his contract has limited time remaining. He’s shown he can post MVP-level stats, win games, and make deep playoff runs. The tools are there for him to be considered elite, but the key to earning full respect is to overcome those career milestones: win a Super Bowl and secure an MVP.