QB Jared Goff played second fiddle in the major offseason trade that headlined Matthew Stafford being traded to the Rams. While the Lions were committed to Goff for 2021, many speculated they could draft a QB. But to Goff’s happiness, the Lions didn’t.
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The Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Goff and three draft picks in late January, weeks after they hired Holmes and Campbell as GM and head coach, respectively. After earning back-to-back Pro Bowls and helping the Rams to the Super Bowl, Goff fell out of favor in L.A., particularly struggling to push the ball downfield in 2020.
GM Brad Holmes had an open conversation with Goff about the possibility of drafting a QB with the 7th overall Pick. And despite having both QB’s Justin Fields and Mac Jones on the board, the Lions opted to draft Penei Sewell, arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft.
Jared Goff is happy that the team had faith in him.
“We had some talks before the draft,” Goff said. “Again, I think it’s a nice vote of confidence obviously for me. I think what’s not lost on me is their first move as a staff, Brad and (coach) Dan (Campbell), involved me. It’s exciting, and it makes you feel good.”
“Fired up, fired up,” Goff said of the Sewell selection. “When I saw we took Penei, I know the staff was fired up, and so was I obviously as a quarterback. Any time you get help up front, that’s always good. We got a lot of solid guys up there right now, and I think it’s shaping up to hopefully be one of the top groups in the league. There’s obviously a lot of work to do, and I know they know that. But there’s a lot of good players up there right now, and as a quarterback, that’s your best friend. So I’m excited for it.”
The Lions opted to convert $20M of Goff’s salary to a signing bonus, which essentially will keep him in Motor city for at least the next couple of years. And while the 2021 Lions may not have the talent to contend for a playoff spot, Goff will be able to benefit with a stout offensive line and a good running game.
Goff had a great 5 years as a Ram. He led them to 3 playoff appearances, one of which ended in a Super Bowl Appearance. Jared Goff went 42-37 in 5 seasons, so one thing is for certain that Goff is a proven winner, unlike the Lions. So it will be very interesting to see the Lions rebuild in 2021.
