Jared Goff Has Not Talked New Contract with Lions

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff open to securing new contract.

The Detroit Lions know what they have in quarterback Jared Goff. 

After a successful finish to the 2022 season in which the Lions finished 9-8, including an 8-2 record over the last 10 games, the veteran is firmly the team's starter going forward. 

Heading into his seventh year as a pro, he has two years remaining on his contract. The Lions have committed to him for 2023, but the two parties have not engaged in any talks regarding an extension to this point. 

"Not up to me," he said, when asled about potential contract talks with Detroit.

Though conversations haven't begun, the signal-caller admitted he'd be open to inking a new deal with the Lions, should the opportunity arise. 

The market for quarterbacks has recently been reset. Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension, to become the highest-paid player in league history (based on average annual value). 

"That's how the league goes, you know? Guys get paid, and then another 10 guys get paid and then you're toward the bottom. And, hopefully it happens again," the seventh-year quarterback explained. "Things go like this, and hopefully I can play for a long time. To play in this league and win games, win championships and do a lot of stuff, and the money and the contracts all come with that."

After a rocky first season with the organization, he rebounded strongly in 2022. He finished the season with 22 touchdowns against seven interceptions, while throwing for 4,438 yards. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have each pledged their support for the veteran quarterback throughout the offseason. With two years remaining on his current deal, time isn't of the essence to work out a new deal, should the two sides remain interested.

"Yeah, man, of course you'd be open," Goff explained. "It hasn't been brought to my attention, but yeah, of course, open to anything. Not up to me, I'm a player, I don't get to make those decisions. If I did, I would've made that decision a long time ago. Give me and my friends all the money in the world. I just get to play, and if that comes about, that'd be great." 

Dealing with expectations

The Lions' dominant stretch to close out the 2022 season has created a new level of optimism. Nationally, the team is considered to be the favorite to win the NFC North division. 

Goff and his teammates know that this newfound confidence only goes so far. The results on the field carry the ultimate weight. 

Detroit knows what its winning record in 2022 and its offseason additions have done for the perception of the team. But, the quarterback reiterated that performing is the most important thing. 

"We had a good finish to our year, finished 8-2 in our last 10 games. But, that doesn't mean anything for us now, it really doesn't. I know it's cliche to say, but we've got new players in here," said Goff. "Lost some guys, gained some guys. What that will sum out to at the end of the season is yet to be seen. There's a lot of work to do in order to decide that answer." 

Taylor Decker, who has been with the Lions since 2016, has experienced plenty of ups and downs during his career. He's played 97 games in his career, all with the Lions. 

While he acknowledged the current expectations, he also was quick to point out the impact of the struggles in years past. 

"I see what people are talking about, I see what people's expectations are for the Lions," Decker said. "But, that is all in theory to me right now. I said it last year toward the end of the season, we were getting all this love and everything and it's like, that's great, but I remember when we got (expletive) on, because we won three games. When people thought we were a joke. That's what I remember, and I don't want to go back to that. So, I'm not gonna look forward and rest on my laurels." 

Goff and Decker were both a part of the Lions team that finished 3-13-1 in 2021. Just two years later, they're believed to be among the best in the NFC.

Though the expectations are exciting, the important work is still to come, leading into the 2023 campaign. 

"There's a vibe, there's a feeling that you have," Goff claimed. "Nothing truly tangible. We lost guys, we gained guys, lost coaches, gained coaches. It's always brand new, but there is an overwhelming feeling of optimism and excitement for what we think we can do, for sure."