Following the Detroit Lions’ emotional loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, quarterback Jared Goff, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2024, opened up about his future with the Lions. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Goff expressed a deep desire to stay in Detroit long-term, emphasizing his love for the coaching staff, teammates, and the organization.
In a post-game locker room cleanout interview, Goff shared his sentiments:
“I’ve loved every second of my time here, and would love more. I love [head coach] Dan [Campbell], I love the coaches and all my teammates. Yeah, it would be great. But it’s not up to me.”
Goff, who has been with the Lions for three NFL seasons, showcased significant improvement throughout his tenure. In the 2023 regular season, he accumulated 4,575 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns with a completion rate of 67.3%. Goff has become a beloved figure in Detroit, with fans even starting a loud Jared Goff chant during a road game against the 49ers.
Jared Goff says it is not up to him, but he wants to stay in Detroit.
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) January 30, 2024
"I love this place. I have loved every second of my time here and I would love more." pic.twitter.com/fe7Jx31rLy
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the NFC Championship, Goff’s performance in the postseason was commendable. He led the Lions to multiple playoff wins and their first division title in over three decades. Goff’s playoff stats included a 69.4% completion rate, 837 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and zero turnovers.
As Goff faces the final year of his contract with a cap hit of $31.7 million in 2024, the Lions will have crucial decisions to make in the offseason. Goff, aware that his future in Detroit is not solely in his hands, stated:
I asked Jared Goff what he has learned about himself over his three years in Detroit. He gave the people around him credit, but finally admitted he is proud of himself:
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) January 29, 2024
"You learn you can handle a lot more than maybe you think you could. How tough you are." pic.twitter.com/kcAsN08psQ
“It’s not up to me. I love this place, and we’ll see what happens as time goes on here. But yeah, I love this place, and love Dan and all the coaches love and all my teammates. It’s out of my hands, it’s up to my representatives and obviously the people upstairs [in the front office].”
The Lions must now decide whether to extend Goff to a multi-year deal, potentially in the range of $45 million per year, or explore other quarterback options, including 2023 draft pick Hendon Hooker. The offseason promises critical decisions for the Lions and the future of their quarterback position.