Getty
Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jared Goff has become one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and his best work has certainly come since his trade from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions.
Fittingly, the Lions have entrusted Goff with an incredible responsibility this offseason.
The decision comes as both Goff and the Lions face a significant decision that will shape their future together. It could also determine a lot about how Detroit approaches constructing the rest of its roster this coming offseason.
Jared Goff Gets Clear Message Before Offseason
GettyJared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on after a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Goff, the first overall pick of the 2016 draft by the Rams, completed his fifth season with the Lions in 2025.
He completed 68% of his passes for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions during the regular season. However, the Lions missed the postseason and fired offensive coordinator John Morton. He is getting his fourth OC, former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing.
Petzing made it clear where he stands on the five-time Pro Bowler.
“He’s been awesome, and he’s as impressive as a quarterback,” Petzing said on the “Pride of Detroit” podcast on February 12. “When you have a guy that sees the game the way he does, that can operate the way he does, the rhythm, and the timing, and the vision is really impressive. And then, having the physical tools to then put the ball where it needs to be placed, to have touch, but also have some violence in this throwing motion.
“There’s just so many things that I think he does at a really high level. That, again, it all goes back to what puts stress on a defense.”
Petzing added, “When a guy can see the field the way he can, check in and out of plays, get in and out of the huddle, those are little things that I think get taken for granted at times that really make a massive difference in how an offense operates and the success of a team, and I think he’s done that at such a high level for such a long time.”
Drew Petzing: Jared Goff ‘Another Coordinator’
GettyJared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings.
Goff has come a long way from the QB the Rams traded away. And despite still having flaws in his game like most players, Petzing plans to have Goff “immensely” involved in game planning.
“I think that has to be that way with whoever the guy–in this case, Jared is going to have the ball in his hand. He needs to know the whys, he needs to know the intricacy, and he needs to have a voice, and he needs to speak up. And he will do a great job of that, because I know him at this point a little bit,” Petzing said. “He’s another coordinator on staff.
“We don’t do anything without the quarterback touching the ball. So, everything we do has to be based around his skill set, making him comfortable, allowing him to see the game the way that he thinks he sees it best.”
Petzing said the “relationship” and “communication” with Goff are “as important as anything.”
Goff did not always enjoy that with Rams head coach Sean McVay. McVay has admitted to handling the end of the QB’s tenure in LA. Goff has been supported to the fullest in Detroit.
Even Petzing is a return to Goff’s comfort zone in a sense. He comes from a different NFL coaching tree, but Petzing was a college roommate and is good friends with Goff’s former OC and current Chicago Bears head coach, Ben Johnson.
The Rams defeated Goff and the Lions in Week 15 this past season. Goff is now 1-2 in his career against the Rams. LA notably won the Super Bowl the season they traded him to the Lions in a swap for Matthew Stafford.
However, Goff is 1-0 against the Rams in the playoffs, which is something he can hang his hat on.
Jared Goff Set to Shape Lions’ Offseason
GettyJared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions leaves the field after a game against the Chicago Bears.
Giving Goff so much influence makes sense for the Lions. Not just because of the former Rams star’s experience or performance. It is also because he could greatly impact what the front office can do this offseason. Goff is signed through 2028 on a four-year, $212 million contract. He has a $69.6 million cap hit for 2026.
The Lions can clear $108.4 million in space this offseason with Goff accounting for 39.5% of that.
“A simple salary conversion (plus two void years) can open up a much needed $42.9M of space,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote in December.
There is a catch, though. Adding void years keeps Goff on the Lions’ books beyond the life of the former Rams QB’s contract. It is a risky proposition. But Goff has been as steady as anyone over the past several seasons. He is also at a lower risk of injury due to his playing style.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
More Heavy on Rams
Loading more stories