In an impressive move that’s set to redefine the trajectory of the franchise, the Detroit Lions made headline news with their decision to sign quarterback Jared Goff to a massive extension.
One of the most underrated and underappreciation players in the league, the Lions made it crystal-clear where they stand on Goff when they inked him to a massive four-year, $212 million extension, guaranteeing that he’ll remain the leader in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
Of the $212 million, a whopping $170 million is fully-guaranteed.
The landmark agreement not only cements Goff’s status as the highest-paid player in Lions’ history but also skyrockets him up the list of the highest-paid players of all-time.
With an average annual salary of $53 million, Goff now trails only Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals in AAV compensation.
Burrow just barely inches out Goff with $55 million in average annual earnings. (Well, I guess “inches” isn’t the right word when talking about $2 million, but you know what I mean!)
The Lions’ investment spree doesn’t stop with Goff.
This offseason, the team has spared no expense in securing the future of its star players, with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell also receiving substantial extensions.
Together, these contracts amount to over $444 million, signaling a clear shift in the franchise’s ambitions and financial commitments.
Reflecting on the heightened expectations that accompany these record-breaking deals, Goff emphasized the team’s internal drive for success.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Goff recently told ESPN. “The expectations are high, but internally, our standards are raising, and our expectations are raising, and we’ve got goals and things we want to do.
“It’s not like we’re going to show up and start winning again,” he maturely added.
Goff has emerged as one of the best stories in recent NFL memory.
Sure, he was a former #1 overall pick by the Rams and ended up leading them to the Super Bowl. But at the end of the day, Sean McVay and company gladly shipped him off to Detroit for Matt Stafford.
Interestingly, this might be the best all-time example of a trade that truly worked for BOTH teams.
Of course, Stafford instantly led the Rams to a Super Bowl title, and he continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. (As does Goff.)
Over the past two seasons, Goff’s played an instrumental role in securing a franchise-record 21 victories, including an impressive 12-win campaign in 2023 that tied the Lions’ historical high-water mark.
He nearly led the Lions to an upset win over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. (As a matter of fact, Detroit in many ways deserved to win that game but ended up shooting themselves in the foot.)
My, what could have been…
Prior to inking the enormous extension, Goff made it clear that nothing would distract him from being the very best player and teammate he could be.
“I’ve been doing it for nine years now and I’m kind of used to it. I obviously appreciate my teammates’ support, but it’s been easy,” Goff told ESPN last month.
“Just focus on what matters and trying to get better and trying to help our team win games, advance further than we did last year and hopefully be the last team standing at the end … That’s all I’m thinking about.”
Clearly something special is brewing in Detroit.
Head coach Dan Campbell has completely changed the culture and the stench that hovered over the franchise for decades is long, long gone.
Now universally-respected, Goff and the Lions won’t have the luxury of sneaking up on anyone anymore.
The entire league knows that Detroit is for real and is more than capable of winning any game they play, no matter who the opponent.
With Goff’s extension on the books, here is an updated look at the highest paid players in NFL history when it comes to average annual salary…
(Tied) #10. Matthew Stafford: Los Angeles Rams: $40 million (four-years, $160 million)
(Tied) #10. Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys: $40 million (four-years, $160 million)
(Tied) #10. Daniel Jones: New York Giants: $40 million (four-years, $160 million)
#9. Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills: $43 million (six-years, $258 million)
#8. Kirk Cousins: Atlanta Falcons: $45 million (four-years, $180 million)
#7. Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs: $45 million (10-years, $450 million)
#6. Kyler Murray: Arizona Cardinals: $46.1 million (five-years, $230.5 million)
#5. Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia Eagles: $51 million (five-years, $255 million)
#4. Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens: $52 million (five-years, $260 million)
#3. Justin Herbert: Los Angeles Chargers: $52.5 million (five-years, $262.5 million)
#2. Jared Goff: Detroit Lions: $53 million (four-years, $212 million)
#1. Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals: $55 million (five-years, $275 million)
What are your thoughts on the list of the highest-paid players in NFL history? … Who – if anyone – doesn’t belong?
What about Goff’s extension? … Do you think he’s deserving of such a massive deal? Or did the Lions overpay just a little?
Where do you rank Goff among the top quarterbacks in the NFL?
When his career is over, how many – if any – Super Bowls will Goff have won???