The Detroit Lions have agreed a four-year, $212m contract extension with quarterback Jared Goff, making him the highest-paid player in franchise history, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $170m guaranteed and will keep Goff in Detroit through the 2028 season.
Goff, 29, arrived in Detroit in 2021 as part of the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Initially seen as a stopgap, Goff has revitalised his career, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game last season—their first since 1991. Over the past two seasons, he ranks second in the NFL in total passing yards (9,013) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (3.1).
Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed confidence in Goff earlier this year, stating, 'I’ve always had belief in Jared. I don’t know what more needs to be said from a leadership or performance standpoint.' The extension follows long-term deals for offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St Brown this offseason, solidifying the core of a team that has become a contender in the NFC North.
Goff’s average annual salary of $53m under the new deal places him second among NFL quarterbacks, behind only Joe Burrow’s $55m. The Lions, once perennial underachievers, are now viewed as a rising force in the conference.
