Brad Holmes 'Always Had Belief' in Jared Goff

Lions have unwavering confidence in Jared Goff.

There's no doubt about it: Jared Goff will be the Lions’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes reaffirmed the organization's confidence in the veteran passer during his season-ending media session.

“In terms of Jared, look, I’ve always had belief in Jared,” Holmes told reporters Monday. “You guys have always heard me. I don’t know what more needs to be said from a leadership or performance standpoint, or what more he needs to do in that regard. But, in terms of the belief as always, I think I said this to you guys before, is that he got drafted in ’16 and he didn’t – he wasn’t the full-time starter, but ’17 was his first year as a full-time starter and he made the playoffs. Exited versus the Falcons that year, but the second year as a full-time starter, he went to a Super Bowl. 

“And what I didn’t understand – I didn’t understand why his career was defined after he went to a Super Bowl a second year as a full-time starter. And so, then when he came to us, I always had belief.” 

Is It Time for Brad Holmes to Be Aggressive This Offseason?

Goff, who just finished up his third season in the Motor City, put together a banner campaign in 2023. He threw for 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns, while completing a career-best 67.3 percent of his passes.

He also led the Lions to 12 regular season wins, a division championship for the first time in 30 years and two consecutive playoff victories for the first time since 1957. And, in doing all that, the signal-caller certainly endeared himself to the city of Detroit and the Lions’ rabid fanbase.

Additionally, from all accounts, including a report from NFL Network at the end of last month, Holmes and Detroit's front office are interested in inking the three-time Pro Bowler to a long-term contract extension this offseason. Goff presently has one year remaining on the four-year, $134 million contract he signed with his former employer, the L.A. Rams, in September 2019.

From @NFLGameDay: The #Lions may make QB Jared Goff a rich man (again) this offseason, while his impressive OC Ben Johnson is getting visits from the #Commanders and #Seahawks this week. pic.twitter.com/HIaDprMPRN

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 28, 2024

“So, him doing what he did this past year or even the year before, it’s not a surprise to us,” Holmes continued regarding Goff. “I just know how he’s wired. I know the talent he has, I know the leadership he has, I know his mental and physical toughness. I know what he’s made about, and I think his peers, and definitely his teammates, recognize the same things. So, (I'm) just happy with what he’s done, and just couldn’t be more proud of everything he’s achieved.”