Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, the Detroit Lions’ offensive leaders, signed contract extensions this offseason. The Lions’ only remaining player to sign a deal this summer is quarterback Jared Goff.
But it’s unclear when Goff and the Lions will agree on the extension.
While speaking with 97.1 The Ticket, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes did not specify a timeframe or goal date for Goff’s deal. However, Holmes stressed the importance of reaching an agreement with the quarterback for the organization.
“He has earned an extension. It’s critical; it’s a top priority for us,” Holmes added. “Both sides are working extremely hard. “These things simply take time.”
Goff’s current deal with the Lions expires in 2024. Next March, he will become a free agent.
The Lions do not need to sign Goff this offseason. They will have the opportunity to contract him before he hits free agency next spring. The potential of franchise tagging Goff will also be discussed.
But Holmes made it plain that this is not the organization’s objective. He also voiced calm confidence that the Lions and Goff would reach an arrangement before the season begins.
In three seasons with Detroit, Goff has a 24-23-1 record. However, half of those wins came in 2023, when Goff led the Lions to their first division victory in 30 years and their first appearance in the NFC Championship Game since 1991.
Goff tossed 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2023. He averaged 7.6 yards per pass and threw 12 interceptions.
Jared Goff Sends Message Regarding Contract Negotiations
Goff has been asked about a potential extension in Detroit following the team’s tragic loss in the NFC championship game. However, Goff has done his best not to discuss his conversations with the Lions too directly.
He took the same approach in an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports on April 23, 2024.
“Just play it by ear,” Goff said of his approach to contract negotiations.
The quarterback noted that he is enabling his representatives and the team to participate in such discussions.
“There have been discussions, but I’ll let them do their jobs.”
Although the final decision will be based on the actual offer, Holmes’ message that Goff has earned an extension should put him at rest. Following the Lions’ best season in more than 30 years, it’s difficult to argue that Goff deserves a raise.
Goff has played incredibly well during the last two seasons. In 34 games, he has thrown 59 touchdowns and only 19 interceptions. He has also averaged 7.6 yards per pass and 11.4 yards per completion, with a passer rating of 98.6.
The Lions finished 21-13 in those 34 games.
Detroit is expected to make Goff one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league with his contract deal. On April 14, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler estimated that Goff could earn up to $50 million per season under his new contract.
Goff’s current contract has an average annual salary of $33.5 million.
Lions Sign Big Extensions for Their Own Stars
If the Lions are able to finish Goff’s extension, as Holmes hopes, Detroit will have locked up its three offensive cornerstones: Goff, St. Brown, and Sewell.
The Lions will have more young players ready for contract extensions as early as next season, particularly on defense. However, with Goff, St. Brown, and Sewell signed to contracts that will not expire until the end of the decade, Detroit will have three major players contributing to the team’s recovery.
That appears to have been Holmes’ intention since before the offseason even started.
“We didn’t wait until the end of the season to start planning. “We’ve been preparing for a while,” Holmes explained. “In a perfect world, we’d have finished all three. Bang, bang.
“But these things take a while, especially in the quarterback market.” But I have trust that it will get done.”
The St. Brown and Sewell expansions totaled more than $232 million. Neither player will become a free agent before 2029.
