Former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff has firmly reestablished himself as one of the league’s premier signal-callers, with his strongest stretch of play coming after his move to the Detroit Lions. Now, as both player and franchise approach a pivotal offseason, Goff finds himself at the center of decisions that could shape Detroit’s trajectory for years to come.

Originally selected first overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by Los Angeles, Goff just wrapped up his fifth season in Detroit. In 2025, he completed 68 percent of his throws for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Despite those impressive numbers, the Lions fell short of the playoffs, leading to the dismissal of offensive coordinator John Morton. Detroit will now turn to former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing—Goff’s fourth offensive play-caller since arriving with the Lions.

Petzing has already made it clear he holds Goff in high regard. Speaking on the “Pride of Detroit” podcast, Petzing praised Goff’s command of the game, highlighting his timing, rhythm, field vision, and ability to distribute the ball with both touch and velocity. He emphasized that Goff’s understanding of defensive structures and his efficiency in managing the offense consistently put pressure on opponents.

Beyond physical traits, Petzing underscored the importance of Goff’s mental acuity—his ability to adjust plays at the line, control the tempo in and out of the huddle, and orchestrate the offense with precision. Those often-overlooked details, Petzing noted, can significantly influence overall team success.

In fact, Petzing intends to involve Goff heavily in weekly preparation, describing him as essentially “another coordinator” on the staff. Because every offensive snap runs through the quarterback, Petzing believes the scheme must reflect Goff’s strengths and comfort level. Open communication and collaboration, he said, will be foundational to their working relationship.

That approach marks a contrast to Goff’s final years under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, where the partnership ultimately unraveled. Since arriving in Detroit, however, Goff has enjoyed consistent support. Interestingly, Petzing also shares a personal connection within Goff’s coaching circle—he was college roommates with Goff’s former offensive coordinator and current Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.

Goff’s history with the Rams still carries intrigue. Los Angeles defeated Detroit in Week 15 this past season, giving Goff a 1-2 career record against his former team. The Rams famously captured a Super Bowl title the year they traded Goff to the Lions in exchange for Matthew Stafford. Still, Goff owns a playoff victory over Los Angeles—something that remains a personal milestone.

Looking ahead, Goff’s role extends beyond on-field leadership. He is signed through 2028 on a four-year, $212 million deal and carries a substantial $69.6 million cap hit for 2026. Detroit has the potential to create significant cap flexibility this offseason, and Goff’s contract structure will be central to that strategy. While restructuring his deal—potentially by converting salary and adding void years—could free up considerable space, it would also push financial obligations into the future, creating long-term risk.

Ultimately, the Lions’ confidence in Goff reflects both his steady production and his durability. As Detroit weighs its roster-building options, the quarterback’s influence—both in the meeting room and on the balance sheet—will play a defining role in shaping the franchise’s next chapter.