Jared Goff won over the hearts of any Detroit Lions fans who weren’t already on board with Dan Campbell’s quarterback in 2022 by leading his pack to nine wins in a Pro Bowl season. While there may have been strong links suggesting the Lions may need to select their QB of the future with one of their two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, that no longer is the case.
Yet, the Lions haven’t ceased their quest to add another capable starting QB to their depth chart, either via draft or still in free agency. With the NFL Draft not set to take place until April 27, their most immediate way to add a QB will have to be by adding a veteran.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Lions have a “strong contract offer” on the table for Teddy Bridgewater, who spent two seasons under coach Campbell in New Orleans. Yet, Bridgewater, 30, has generated interest from a number of teams.
For now, the 32nd overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft seems set on keeping his options open after making just two starts last season for the Miami Dolphins. Eventually, Bridgewater will be able to find a role as a team’s backup who’s viewed as the immediate threat to step into a starting role, yet he may want to wait until depth charts are mostly settled following the draft.
Perhaps at that time, the Lions will either emerge as a stronger suitor or retract their offer altogether should a rookie land in their laps with one of their eight selections. Otherwise, Nate Sudfeld is set to back up Goff in 2023.
Related: Detroit Lions mock draft 2023: Dan Campbell’s squad gets a defense