The Detroit Lions’ quarterback, Jared Goff, had a rough performance during their first playoff game against the Washington Commanders, throwing three interceptions and completing only 57.5% of his passes, which was his worst completion rate of the season. Despite a strong overall season, the Lions lost 45-31, marking an early playoff exit. Goff, who had been pivotal in the Lions’ resurgence since being traded in 2021, was outplayed by rookie Jayden Daniels, who led Washington to victory with impressive stats. Goff’s struggles in big games have raised questions about his ability to lead the team to a Super Bowl, despite his contributions to their recent success.
Although Goff has been crucial to the Lions’ improvement, many believe it might be time for the team to start thinking about life after him. Daniel Alamdea of Wright Sports Network proposed that the Lions should consider acquiring Joe Milton, a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots, as Goff’s potential successor. Milton, drafted in 2024 out of Tennessee, made an eye-catching debut in the Patriots’ season finale against the Buffalo Bills. Known for his strong arm and raw talent, Milton impressed with a significant increase in his completion percentage, showing development in his mechanics. With the Patriots having drafted Drake Maye as their potential future quarterback, Milton could be on the trade market.
Milton’s style, characterized by his athleticism and ability to make plays outside the traditional pocket, aligns with the evolving trends of the NFL. Alamdea suggests that as the league moves towards more mobile quarterbacks who can make plays off-schedule, Milton’s skill set could make him an ideal fit for the Lions’ future. While Goff’s contract runs through 2028, making an immediate change unlikely, Milton’s affordable $4.2 million rookie deal could make him an appealing option to develop over time. With experience at multiple schools, including Michigan and Tennessee, Milton could adapt quickly to the Lions’ system, offering significant potential for growth.
