Former Rams QB Jared Goff Receives Encouraging News from Lions Before Offseason

Like the Los Angeles Rams, Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions were eliminated from the playoffs sooner than expected. The Lions lost to the Washington Commanders, while the Rams fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Following their playoff departure, Goff and the Lions saw a coaching shake-up, losing both coordinators – including OC Ben Johnson – to head coaching roles with rival teams.

Despite this, the Lions are confident in Goff’s ability to improve, even without Johnson.

Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed his confidence on January 23, stating, “As long as Dan [Campbell]’s the head coach here, and as long as I’m here, those things won’t change.

We might tweak the scheme, but if a player joins here, he’s a Detroit Lion, or he’s not. The same goes for coaching.”

Holmes also acknowledged that while Goff thrived under Johnson, his prior success in a different system proves his capability. “Jared’s a better, more mature quarterback now. I believe he’s just entering his prime and improving every year.”

Goff signed a four-year, $212 million extension in November 2024, three years after the Rams traded him.

The Lions won’t be able to cut Goff for financial gain until 2026, with a post-June 1 designation saving $35 million, but still carrying $34.6 million in dead money.

Any potential trade involving the 30-year-old QB would also have similar consequences, with a post-June 1 trade in 2026 saving the Lions $55 million, but $14.6 million would remain in dead cap.

The 2016 No. 1 overall pick, Goff completed 57.5% of his passes for 313 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in the playoff loss to the Commanders, along with two sacks and a fumble.

Despite heavy criticism following the game, teammates and offensive linemen Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell stood by Goff.

“I’ll ride with Jared Goff until the day I die,” Ragnow said on January 18.

“He’s one of the most stand-up human beings I know, and I’ll always have his back.” Sewell added, “It’s bulls*** to blame Goff. Football is a team sport, and it’s not fair to put all the blame on one player.”

Goff enters his fifth offseason with the Lions after being traded from the Rams in 2021.

NFL Investigates Hit on Jared Goff by Commanders LB

Jared Goff, former Rams QB
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Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions warms up before facing the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Playoff.

Although Goff is no longer playing, his postseason appearance made headlines due to a hit from Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu.

A fan posted on X on January 18, “Can you imagine if Patrick Mahomes took that hit? Luvu would have been ejected, fined, and possibly arrested! Instead, Jared Goff just went to the medical tent.”

The NFL has since penalized Luvu for the hit.

Before that incident, Goff was 8-for-10 for 120 yards and 1 touchdown, but finished the game 15-for-29 for 193 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.