Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a disappointing performance during the team’s first playoff game of the season against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Despite an otherwise strong season, Goff threw three interceptions and completed only 57.5% of his passes, his lowest rate this year. His passer rating of 59.7 matched his worst of the season, which he also recorded on November 10 against the Houston Texans — a game the Lions won.
Saturday’s playoff game ended in a crushing 45-31 loss for Detroit, despite their impressive 15-2 regular season record, the best in franchise history. Goff, the top overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, was overshadowed by Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in 2024. Daniels threw two touchdown passes, ran for 51 yards, and recorded a stellar passer rating of 122.9, his third-highest of the season.
Goff has undeniably been key to Detroit’s resurgence. After joining the team in 2021 as part of the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, Goff endured a rough 3-13-1 season. However, the Lions improved to 9-8 in 2022, 12-5 in 2023, and made the NFC championship game. The 2024 season was Detroit’s best ever — until the playoff loss.
Preparing for Life After Goff
While Goff’s immediate future with the Lions seems secure, Daniel Alameda of Wright Sports Network argues that Detroit should start planning for a post-Goff era. Alameda suggests Goff’s style is becoming outdated and questions whether he can lead the Lions to a Super Bowl.
“The Detroit Lions Will Replace Jared Goff With Joe Milton,” Alameda predicts the Lions will acquire New England Patriots rookie quarterback Joe Milton. Milton, who debuted in the Patriots’ final game of the season against the Buffalo Bills, impressed observers with his performance.
Drafted in the sixth round last year out of Tennessee, Milton earned the nickname “Bazooka Joe” for his exceptional arm strength. Patriots writer Evan Lazar described Milton as an “undeniable” raw talent, highlighting his +22.5% completion percentage over expectation, the second-highest mark by any quarterback in a single game this season.
The Patriots already have Drake Maye, drafted third overall last year, as their franchise quarterback, making Milton a likely trade candidate. Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire believes Milton could fetch a third- or even second-round pick in a trade, which would be a “major win” for New England.
Milton’s Fit With the NFL’s Evolving QB Trends
At 6’5″ and 246 pounds, Milton’s athleticism and versatility align with the NFL’s shift toward quarterbacks who excel outside the traditional pocket structure. Alameda believes this style could make Milton a more appealing option for the Lions as they continue building for the future.
However, Milton wouldn’t replace Goff immediately. Goff is under contract through 2028, with $162 million in base salary remaining. Milton, on the other hand, has three years left on a $4.2 million rookie deal, making him a cost-effective developmental option.
“One of the key reasons Joe Milton could succeed Jared Goff is his developmental potential,” Alameda wrote. “Milton’s experience at Michigan and Tennessee exposed him to diverse offensive systems, making him better equipped to adapt to the Lions’ scheme compared to other raw prospects.”
