ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Fresh off officially signing his new four-year, $212 million contract extension on Thursday morning, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff spent a couple of minutes thanking his loved ones.
Goff's fiancée, Christen Harper, joined him at the Lions' practice facility as he spoke to media members about the new deal, highlighting “security” and his no-trade clause as the most important things that was considering during the process.
The deal negotiated by Goff's agent, Ryan Tollner of Excel Sports Management, also includes a $73 million signing bonus, the largest in NFL history.
However, signing through 2028, when Goff will turn 34, was equally intriguing.
“It was mostly about safety. You can go back and forth about the numbers and all that, and that wasn't really what I was ever very worried about,” Goff said. “It was the security and the no-trade clause and all that, knowing that all that was there and feeling confident that I can finally put that behind me and be excited about what's to come.”
Goff, 29, led the Lions last season to an appearance in the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. He has passed for 12,258 yards and 78 touchdowns with just 27 interceptions during his three years with Detroit, where He has revived his career. since he was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for Matthew Stafford in 2021.
Over the past two seasons, the 2016 No. 1 pick also ranks in the NFL's top four in several categories, including passing yards with 9,013 (second); passing TDs with 59 (tied for third); touchdown-to-interception ratio (3.1), which ranks second; and first opportunity rate (38%), which ranks fourth.
“It's a nice closing chapter on the last three years, so to speak,” Goff said. “Now, I'm more motivated and excited than ever to push myself even harder and push the medal pedal even harder to bring a Super Bowl to the city, and that's the most important thing.”
After signing an extension with the Rams in 2019, Goff called this second extension in Detroit “much more” satisfying given the tough times he had to go through to get to this point.
In Goff's first season with the team in 2021, the Lions finished 3-13-1, but improved to 9-8 in 2022. Detroit went 12-5 last year, when they tied the franchise record for wins in a single season and they won. a division title for the first time in three decades.
Goff said he understands the criticism that will come from reaching a massive extension, but he feels he plays his best when he is doubted, so he will continue to look for ways to stay motivated.
“Those things are still there. Absolutely. I think the only thing this does is give me the security of knowing where I'm going to be, but those things will never die,” he said. “And there will be things that will come, I'm sure this year, that can increase that chip and continue to push me, but I am very motivated internally. I want to win a Super Bowl. I want to leave a I have many personal goals, but I think the most important thing is to lift up Lombardi.
Goff was the third major extension Detroit handed out this offseason. The franchise extended star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive lineman Penei Sewell, splitting more than $444 million between the trio.
Goff will receive $170 million in guaranteed money, ranking him eighth among quarterbacks, while St. Brown ($77 million) and Sewell ($70.7 million) ranked first at their respective positions. Goff said he feels rewarding deserving players could mean great success for the organization.
“I think that's important. The Lions recognize that they know at the top that we have three players who are owed a new contract and they took care of them,” Goff said. “I think potential free agents see that and potential draft picks in the future see that and know that if you play well, they'll take care of you.
“The three of us are three guys that are very motivated and driven to win a Super Bowl, and it's not just the three of us. There are 53 guys and 11 guys on offense for every play. We plan to do our part, but it's fun. I know I'll be able to play. with those guys for a lot longer.
