Poll: Does Jared Goff Need to Win Playoff Game to Earn Extension?
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff could agree to a long-term contract extension this offseason.
According to the The Athletic, Ted Tollner, Goff's agent, believes Detroit is not basing its decision on whether to keep the 29-year-old for the foreseeable future on the team's playoff success this season.
“They said all the right things to Jared and to me, that this season is not about him having to prove himself for another year,” Tollner said. “Inevitably, players always feel that way. If you don’t make a long-term commitment, then they feel like you don’t completely believe in them.”
Detroit's coaching staff has marveled at the former Rams signal-caller's ability to remain calm, even during quite tense moments of games.
The ability to bounce back and focus on the next throw has also provided the team a steadying force.
"I mean, (Lions QB) Jared (Goff)’s played in big games throughout his career, and so he really doesn’t bat an eye as we transition into the postseason now," said Ben Johnson. "And then, the guys upfront, they’ve played a ton of games, whether national championships in college, or now the postseason in the NFL. But, feel really good about having solidified that offensive line over the course of the season, and getting those guys to where they feel gelled and on the same page with whatever we ask them to do.”
Many would expect that if Goff plays at a high level and accomplishes a feat Matthew Stafford couldn't in 12 seasons, Lions general manager Brad Holmes would have a hefty contract waiting for him to sign.
Despite Goff's agent advocating for his client, there is likely a certain threshold Holmes and the front office could cross, if Goff does shine this postseason.
It would be hard to make Detroit's starting quarterback the highest-paid at his position coming off a playoff loss, especially onein which he tossed multiple interceptions and played poorly.
Sunday's playoff opener against the Rams has the potential to be quite beneficial for Goff and for supporters, should Detroit end up victorious.
Does Detroit's veteran signal-caller need to get his team past the Wild Card round of the playoffs to be offered an extension?
Vote here.
