The Lions have inked a four-year, $212 million contract extension with Jared Goff.

The Los Angeles Rams’ bold trade for Matthew Stafford represented more than just acquiring an experienced quarterback; it signaled an acknowledgment that their previous investment in Jared Goff, a four-year, $134 million contract with over $110 million guaranteed, was a misstep.

Part of the Detroit Lions’ compensation in the trade acknowledged this reality. Stafford’s value alone didn’t warrant the two first-round picks and a third; the Rams needed to sweeten the deal by including Goff and his hefty salary. The Lions, amidst a rebuilding phase, could absorb this financial burden and focus on the future, viewing anything Goff contributed during his remaining two contracted seasons as a bonus.

And what a bonus it turned out to be. Goff experienced a resurgence in Detroit, leading the team to 21 regular-season victories as a starter over the last two years. His passer rating of 98.6 surpassed his performance in L.A. by over seven points. Among 37 quarterbacks with at least 500 snaps, Goff’s adjusted expected points added (EPA) per play ranked seventh.

This success prompted another significant wager. The Lions committed a minimum of $170 million to Goff on Monday, betting on him to lead the team to its first Super Bowl. With an annual salary of $53 million, Goff currently ranks second in the NFL behind Joe Burrow, with his $170 million in guarantees placing him sixth.

Despite some skepticism, Goff’s recent improvement, coupled with the emergence of supporting options like Sam LaPorta, has made Detroit’s passing game more dynamic. Goff’s postseason performance, particularly in a turnover-free three-game stretch during the 2024 NFL playoffs, showcased his ability to excel under pressure.

While there’s no such thing as a guaranteed success, especially considering Goff’s past contract struggles, the Lions believe he embodies their ethos and can lead them to greatness. Opting for continuity and hoping for further growth, they chose to extend Goff rather than risk uncertainty in the quarterback market.

In hindsight, both the Rams and the Lions emerged as winners from the Stafford-Goff swap. The Rams secured a Super Bowl victory, while the Lions gained a franchise quarterback and valuable draft assets to expedite their rebuild. Reflecting on the situation, perhaps the Rams could have negotiated a more favorable deal, knowing the value Detroit places on Goff.