The Detroit Lions may have their franchise quarterback in Jared Goff, but after a disappointing end to the season, the team could be quietly preparing for life after him.

Detroit was officially eliminated from playoff contention following its Christmas night loss to the Minnesota Vikings, extending a three-game losing streak that derailed postseason hopes. With offensive struggles mounting down the stretch, some analysts believe the Lions could turn to the 2025 NFL Draft to address long-term quarterback depth.

Lions Could Draft Carson Beck as Developmental QB

According to SI.com’s John Maakaron, the Lions are projected to select Miami quarterback Carson Beck with a fifth-round pick in a recent mock draft. Beck, a former Georgia standout, has accumulated more than 11,000 passing yards across six collegiate seasons.

Maakaron believes Beck would be viewed strictly as a developmental quarterback, rather than an immediate challenger to Goff.

“Carson Beck will be that player Goff grooms over the next two to three seasons,” Maakaron wrote. “Beck should not see the field, as the league has proven the development of young quarterbacks has been subpar.”

Lions’ Recent History at Quarterback

Detroit previously explored a potential successor by drafting Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Hooker spent much of his rookie year recovering from a torn ACL and struggled to secure a long-term role in 2024.

Meanwhile, Goff solidified his status as the unquestioned starter, earning a lucrative contract extension and erasing lingering doubts from his time with the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions eventually moved on from Hooker before this season, reopening the door to future quarterback planning.

Why Carson Beck Could Fit in Detroit

Maakaron cited NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, who highlighted Beck’s physical tools and pocket presence as reasons for optimism.

“Beck has prototypical size and arm strength,” Jeremiah wrote. “He has a quick, compact release and operates with a firm base. He can power the ball into tight windows and consistently uses anticipation, velocity, and ball placement.”

Jeremiah also noted Beck’s ability to pick up yards with his legs, though he prefers to operate from the pocket and work through progressions—traits that align well with Detroit’s offensive philosophy.

Dan Campbell Signals Offseason Changes

Following the loss to Minnesota, Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that changes could be coming this offseason.

“I’m going to be looking at a lot of things, because I do not like being home for the playoffs,” Campbell said via The Associated Press. “Everyone is involved, including myself.”

Goff echoed that frustration, acknowledging the disappointment surrounding Detroit’s late-season collapse.

“It sucks,” Goff said. “We’ll reflect on the whole season after next week, but yeah, it sucks.”

Lions Balancing Present and Future at QB

While Jared Goff remains firmly entrenched as Detroit’s starter, adding a high-upside, late-round quarterback like Carson Beck could give the Lions insurance—and a potential long-term successor—without disrupting the present.

As the offseason approaches, Detroit appears poised to evaluate every position, including the most important one under center.