Detroit lions

Lions Eye $4.2M Patriots QB as Potential Successor to Jared Goff”

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had his worst performance of the season at the worst possible time.

Despite an otherwise strong season, Goff struggled in the Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. He threw three interceptions and completed just 57.5% of his passes, his lowest completion rate of the year.

His passer rating of 59.7 tied his season-low, which previously occurred in a November 10 game against the Houston Texans—a game the Lions managed to win.

On Saturday, the Lions ended their remarkable 15-2 season—the best in franchise history—with a devastating 45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders.

Goff, the NFL’s top draft pick in 2016, was outshined by rookie Jayden Daniels, the second-overall pick in 2024. Daniels threw two touchdowns, ran for 51 yards, and posted a stellar passer rating of 122.9, his third-best of the season.

Despite the playoff disappointment, Goff has been a key figure in the Lions’ resurgence.

Acquired in 2021 in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, Goff endured a tough 3-13-1 debut season with Detroit. However, the team quickly improved, finishing 9-8 in 2022 for their first winning season since 2017.

In 2023, Goff led the Lions to a 12-5 record and the NFC Championship Game, and their 2024 season set a franchise record for wins—until the playoff collapse.

Although it seems unlikely the Lions will part ways with Goff anytime soon, Wright Sports Network co-founder Daniel Alameda believes the team should prepare for life after their veteran quarterback.

Goff’s traditional pocket-passing style, Alameda argues, is becoming outdated and hasn’t proven effective enough to lead the Lions to a Super Bowl victory.

In a Sunday article titled “The Detroit Lions Will Replace Jared Goff With Joe Milton,” Alameda predicted the Lions could target New England Patriots rookie quarterback Joe Milton as a future successor.

Milton debuted in the Patriots’ season finale against the Buffalo Bills, delivering an impressive performance.

Drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) out of Tennessee, Milton, nicknamed “Bazooka Joe” for his powerful arm, is considered a raw but undeniable talent.

Patriots analyst Evan Lazar noted Milton’s significant progress in drop-back footwork and accuracy, highlighted by his +22.5% completion percentage over expectation, the second-highest single-game mark by any quarterback this season.

While the Patriots already have Drake Maye—the third overall pick in 2024—as their franchise quarterback, Milton’s promising potential makes him a valuable trade asset.

According to Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire, Milton could fetch a third-round or even second-round pick in a trade, a deal that would be a significant win for New England.

Standing at 6’5” and weighing 246 pounds, Milton’s athletic and versatile playing style aligns with the NFL’s current evolution toward quarterbacks who can make plays outside of traditional pocket structures.

Alameda believes the Lions could benefit from a quarterback like Milton, who excels at improvisation and exploiting defenses with his legs.

As the league shifts toward more dynamic quarterback play, Milton’s skill set might make him an attractive option for Detroit as they plan for the future.

However, replacing Goff with Milton wouldn’t happen immediately. Goff is under contract through 2028, with $162 million in total base salary still owed to him.

Milton, on the other hand, has three years left on an economical $4.2 million rookie contract, making him a feasible long-term investment.

Alameda emphasized Milton’s developmental upside, shaped by his experiences at the University of Michigan and Tennessee.

Exposure to various offensive systems and coaching styles has prepared Milton to adapt quickly to new schemes.

His versatility and raw talent make him an appealing prospect for teams willing to develop him as a long-term starter.

While the Lions’ current focus remains on winning with Goff, Alameda suggests they should consider Milton as a future replacement.

Goff has undoubtedly been instrumental in Detroit’s turnaround, but the team’s next step might involve securing a more dynamic quarterback capable of thriving in the modern NFL.

 

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