As the offseason approaches, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is expected to receive a substantial raise. In 2023, Goff accomplished a notable feat by becoming the only No. 1 overall pick since Peyton Manning to win two or more playoff games with multiple teams.
Comparatively, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who is considered a cornerstone of the franchise, currently earns an average of $55 million per season with around $219 million in guaranteed money.
While Goff may not become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, it is anticipated that his representatives will seek to capitalize on the skyrocketing quarterback market in recent years.
According to CBS Sports, Goff’s camp may argue that he deserves a contract that places him in a similar salary range as his previous extension. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert currently holds the title as the league’s second-highest-paid player. He signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension in late July, just before the start of training camp, with an average annual value of $52.5 million. The extension has a maximum value of $267.5 million, thanks to $2.5 million base salary escalators in 2028 and 2029.
The Detroit Lions have found themselves in a unique position over the past two seasons, as they underwent a rebuilding phase with a roster primarily composed of young players on their rookie contracts. With the team experiencing some success, several key players, including Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, and future standout Aidan Hutchinson, are expected to seek elevated salaries in the near future.
Given the need to allocate resources wisely and sustain the team’s progress, the question arises as to whether Goff would be willing to accept a lower annual salary in exchange for more guaranteed money. While it may be somewhat surprising, such an arrangement could prove advantageous, especially if the average annual salary falls below $50 million.
One potential scenario that could appease agents and push the market forward is a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $180 million. However, it’s important to consider that players in the league are always looking to set new benchmarks and raise the bar for their respective positions.
Some teams have faced challenges after rewarding their quarterbacks with lucrative contracts. The salary cap creates difficulties for successful teams to retain their core talent and compete at a high level.
Under Brad Holmes’ tenure, the Lions have demonstrated wise cap management and maneuvering. Given Goff’s age of 29, it might be beneficial for him to consider not demanding top-tier compensation and instead offer the team an opportunity to sign him to a reasonable contract that allows for financial flexibility.
