The Detroit Lions had been open about the possibility of extending franchise quarterback Jared Goff throughout the entire 2024 offseason.
He led the team to a surprise appearance in the NFC Championship Game this past January and has been more than a mere stopgap for the team.
General manager Brad Holmes and Co. made sure that Goff knew this on Monday by handing him the largest contract in franchise history.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Goff has signed a four-year, $212 million contract. It comes with $170 million in guarantees. Goff’s average of $53 million annually comes in second behind Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals among quarterbacks in the NFL.
- Jared Goff stats (2023): 67.3% completion, 4,575 yards, 30 TD, 12 INT
Goff, 29, was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the blockbuster Matthew Stafford trade ahead of the 2021 season. At least initialy, it was thought that he’d be a stopgap after the former No. 1 pick struggled in his final couple seasons with the Rams. Obviously, that’s no longer the case. He’s now being paid like an elite signal caller.
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Quarterbacks in line for huge deals after the Jared Goff contract extension
This massive contract extension got us thinking. What quarterbacks could soon reset the market at this all-important position moving forward? Here’s a look at four.
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: We know the situation involving Prescott and his Cowboy. The two were seemingly set to agree on a new deal after yet another failed playoff run. Now, things are not looking great on this front. The reigning NFL MVP runner-up is set to enter the final year of his current contract. Dallas does not have the ability to place the franchise tag on Prescott. Perhaps, Goff’s deal will force the Cowboys’ hands. Prescott is likely looking at $60 million annually.
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: Fresh off a breakout first season as the Packers’ starter, Love is in line for a huge contract himself. He tallied 4,159 passing yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions en route to leading Green Bay to a surprise playoff appearance in 2023. Love, 25, is certainly looking at $50-plus million annually.
- Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: Still playing under his rookie contract, Tua will likely be extended ahead of the 2024 season. The former first-round pick out of Alabama is coming off a career-best season that saw him lead the league with 4,624 passing yards for a high-flying Dolphins offense. Both sides seem confident something will get done.
- Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers: Due to NFL rules, this can’t happen until next season. Players under their rookie deals can’t sign an extension until they have accrued three years of service. But make no mistake abou it, Purdy will become the highest-paid NFL player in history next offseason. All the former seventh-round pick has done in parts of two seasons starting in San Francisco is lead the team to a 17-4 record and a Super Bowl appearance. He’s thrown 44 touchdowns with just 15 interceptions in 21 starts. You can do the math.