Lions QB Jared Goff on contract talks: I love it in Detroit, 'would love to be here for a long time'

Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions have been crystal clear in their intentions to continue their union beyond 2024.

As he participates in the voluntary offseason program, Goff, who is entering the final year of his contract, reiterated his desire to stay in Detroit.

“It’s been amazing, man,” he said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I love it here and would love to be here for a long time. It’s been really special like I mentioned playing in front of these fans and being able to provide a winning culture in the last year and a half or so. To see them experience that and be able to be a part of that has been fun but by no means are we satisfied or happy to be here or any of that. It’s about what’s next now.”

The former No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 recently noted that the trade to Detroit was the “greatest thing that ever happened to me.” In three seasons in Detroit, Goff has settled into Ben Johnson’s offense, earning a Pro Bowl bid in 2022 and leading the Lions to a 12-5 record and the NFC Championship Game last season.

Brad Holmes, the Lions’ general manager, has expressed positive sentiments about signing Goff to a long-term extension. With the quarterback also in favor of the deal, it could potentially be finalized before the season starts.

Goff stated, “You don’t always want to voice everything. Brad has shared his viewpoints with you all and I echo the same. We’ve had our share of discussions. Indeed, my agent is managing it well and I have trust in them.”

The current price for top-tier starting quarterbacks is over $40 million. It remains to be seen how much Goff and his team will try to increase this figure.

In the final year of his four-year, $134 million extension signed in 2019, Goff counts $32.3 million against the Lions’ salary cap with a $22.3 million base salary in 2024. The structure and cash flow are as important as the average per year on a new pact. Holmes has other deals to plan for, including Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell coming down the pike soon, so ensuring the club has maneuverability is paramount.

Typically, a deal is likely to be finalized before the mid-July training camp when both parties are eager to reach an agreement. However, the Lions hold the upper hand as they have the option to use the franchise tag on Goff for the coming two years, should the negotiations fall through.