Detroit Lions QB Rumors: Jared Goff’s Struggles and Potential Trade Targets
The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most intriguing teams in recent years, showing steady improvement under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. However, recent reports from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) suggest that quarterback Jared Goff has been struggling, raising questions about whether the Lions might explore the trade market for an upgrade.
Names like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), and Russell Wilson (Steelers) have surfaced as potential targets if Detroit decides to make a move. While Goff has been a steady presence, leading the Lions to the NFC Championship Game in 2023, his inconsistencies in OTAs—combined with the team’s Super Bowl aspirations—could push the front office to consider alternatives.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll examine:
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Jared Goff’s OTA Struggles: Fact or Overreaction?
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Why the Lions Might Consider a QB Change
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Potential Trade Targets: Shedeur Sanders, Dak Prescott, Russell Wilson
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Financial and Draft Capital Implications
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Final Verdict: Should Detroit Make a Move?
1. Jared Goff’s OTA Struggles: Fact or Overreaction?
OTAs are typically low-stakes practices designed for installation, conditioning, and player development. However, reports from Lions beat writers suggest that Goff has looked inconsistent in accuracy and decision-making, particularly in 7-on-7 and team drills.
Key Concerns:
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Deep Ball Inaccuracy: Goff has never been known for elite arm strength, but his struggles with deep passes have resurfaced.
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Timing with New Receivers: With Jameson Williams expected to take on a bigger role, chemistry issues have been noted.
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Pressure Reads: Detroit’s offensive line is elite, but Goff has historically struggled against disguised blitzes—something defenses may exploit.
Counterpoint: It’s Just OTAs
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Goff is a proven veteran who has thrived in Ben Johnson’s system.
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Many QBs use OTAs to experiment; struggles now don’t always translate to the regular season.
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The Lions’ front office has publicly backed Goff, suggesting they aren’t panicking.
Bottom Line: While Goff’s OTA performance is worth monitoring, it’s too early to call it a crisis. However, if these issues persist into training camp, the Lions may reassess.
2. Why the Lions Might Consider a QB Change
Detroit is in “win-now” mode after their 2023 NFC Championship run. If Goff’s limitations hold them back, exploring an upgrade makes sense.
Reasons to Move On:
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Ceiling Concerns: Goff is a solid QB but may not be elite enough to win a Super Bowl.
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Contract Situation: Goff’s deal runs through 2024, with an $32.6M cap hit in 2025—making him expendable if a better option emerges.
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Dan Campbell’s Aggressive Nature: The Lions’ coach isn’t afraid of bold moves (see: trading D’Andre Swift, drafting Jahmyr Gibbs).
Reasons to Stick with Goff:
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Continuity: Goff knows the system and has chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and others.
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Proven Playoff Performer: He led the Lions to their best season in decades.
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Limited Upgrade Options: The available QBs (Prescott, Wilson, Sanders) all come with risks.
3. Potential Trade Targets
If Detroit explores the QB market, three names stand out:
A. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Why It Makes Sense:
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Sanders is a dynamic playmaker with elite pocket presence and accuracy.
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His draft stock is soaring, and the Lions could secure him before 2025.
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A young, cost-controlled QB would allow Detroit to allocate cap space elsewhere.
Obstacles:
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Colorado may not want to trade him unless offered a massive haul (multiple first-round picks).
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Unproven at the NFL level—risky for a contender.
B. Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
Why It Makes Sense:
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Prescott is a Pro Bowl-caliber QB with playoff experience.
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If Dallas struggles early, they may consider moving him for assets.
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Immediate upgrade over Goff in terms of mobility and clutch play.
Obstacles:
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Massive Contract: Prescott’s $60M/year extension demands could cripple Detroit’s cap.
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Cowboys may not trade him within the NFC.
C. Russell Wilson (Steelers)
Why It Makes Sense:
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Veteran leadership and Super Bowl experience.
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Low-cost option (Pittsburgh may cut him if he struggles).
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Could thrive in Detroit’s play-action-heavy scheme.
Obstacles:
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Declining arm strength and mobility.
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Not a long-term solution.
4. Financial and Draft Capital Implications
| QB | 2025 Cap Hit | Trade Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | $32.6M | N/A |
| Shedeur Sanders | Rookie Deal | 2+ Firsts |
| Dak Prescott | ~$60M | 1st + More |
| Russell Wilson | Vet Minimum | Late Pick |
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Sanders would require a major draft investment, but his rookie contract would help long-term.
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Prescott would demand a cap-strangling deal, limiting roster flexibility.
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Wilson is the cheapest but may not move the needle.
Should Detroit Make a Move?
Short Answer: Not yet.
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Goff deserves the chance to prove his OTA struggles were just a blip.
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The Lions are built to win now, and disrupting chemistry could backfire.
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If Goff falters in the regular season, Russell Wilson could be a low-risk midseason trade option.
However, if Shedeur Sanders declares for the 2025 draft, Detroit should strongly consider packaging picks to move up. His upside is worth the gamble.
Prediction:
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Goff starts 2024 as QB1.
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If he struggles early, the Lions explore a Wilson trade or target Sanders in the draft.
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Prescott is unlikely unless Dallas collapses.
The Lions are close to a Super Bowl—but if Goff isn’t the answer, they must act decisively.
