The Detroit Lions’ Worst Error of the Last Five Years: An NFL Analyst’s Perspective

Over the last five years, the Detroit Lions have experienced a mix of promise and disappointment, with various highs and lows that have defined their position in the NFL. As one of the league’s historically struggling franchises, the Lions have frequently been caught in a cycle of mediocrity, with brief bursts of competitiveness often followed by seasons of regression. For an NFL analyst tasked with identifying the Lions’ worst error during this period, it is crucial to analyze both the big-picture decisions made by the franchise and the specific choices that have had long-term impacts.

In evaluating the Lions’ missteps over the last five years, one decision stands out above the rest: the handling of the quarterback position, specifically the decision to trade away Matthew Stafford and the subsequent lack of a clear, sustainable plan at quarterback.

1. Matthew Stafford’s Departure and the Start of a Rebuild

Matthew Stafford, the face of the franchise for over a decade, was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason leading into the 2021 NFL season. At first glance, the trade appeared logical for both sides. The Lions, in the midst of a full-scale rebuild under new general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, had a 33-year-old quarterback in Stafford, who had spent his entire career in Detroit without ever winning a playoff game. Meanwhile, the Rams, led by head coach Sean McVay, were a team that had been built to contend for championships, and Stafford represented a significant upgrade over Jared Goff, their starting quarterback.

The trade sent Stafford to the Rams for a package that included two future first-round picks, a third-round pick, and quarterback Jared Goff. Goff, a former first overall pick in 2016, came to Detroit in exchange for Stafford, seemingly as the Lions’ bridge quarterback for the rebuild. From a high-level perspective, this trade made sense for the Lions. Stafford had never been able to lift the franchise to a true contender status, and with him being on the wrong side of 30, his best years seemed to be behind him. Detroit was not poised to make a deep playoff run in the immediate future, and the draft picks they received from the Rams were seen as key assets that could aid their long-term rebuilding process.

However, this move overlooked several important nuances about the Lions’ situation and the quarterback position.

2. The Implications of the Stafford Trade

The trade of Stafford represented more than just the end of an era—it marked the beginning of a deep struggle for the Lions at the most important position in football. While it is understandable that the Lions were seeking to rebuild, the decision to let go of Stafford, especially in exchange for Goff, was flawed in several ways.

A. The Inability to Replace Stafford’s Talent

Stafford had always been a talented quarterback, consistently putting up impressive passing numbers, even while playing for a team with poor overall rosters and limited success. Over the years, he became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, especially in terms of yardage and touchdowns. While he never had a deep playoff run with the Lions, his individual talent was undeniable.

By trading Stafford for Goff, the Lions not only relinquished a franchise quarterback but also failed to secure a comparable replacement. Goff, while capable and a former Super Bowl quarterback with the Rams, was never seen as a long-term solution. His inconsistent play in Los Angeles, combined with a poor performance in Detroit, only underscored the deficiency at the most critical position on the field.

The Lions’ decision to go forward with Goff as their quarterback of the future—when it was clear that he had not shown the same level of consistency or playmaking ability as Stafford—set the franchise back in its quest to find a true franchise quarterback.

B. A Missed Opportunity for a QB of the Future

One of the biggest errors in the Stafford trade was the missed opportunity to secure a younger, higher-upside quarterback. The 2021 NFL Draft featured a strong crop of quarterbacks, including Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance. The Lions could have leveraged their position in the draft to select one of these quarterbacks as part of their rebuild. Instead, they chose to focus on other areas of need, including the selection of offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

While Sewell has shown great promise as a young offensive lineman, this decision to prioritize the offensive line over a quarterback of the future meant the Lions went into the 2021 and 2022 seasons without a true answer under center. This further prolonged the quarterback dilemma, making it an obstacle that would slow down the rebuild for years to come.

Had the Lions chosen to invest in a rookie quarterback, they could have built the offense around a young, high-upside signal caller, much like what other rebuilding teams like the Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen) and Arizona Cardinals (Kyler Murray) had done. Instead, the team’s investment in Goff, despite his lack of elite traits, ultimately compounded their inability to address the quarterback position in the future.

3. Goff’s Performance and the Team’s Struggles

Jared Goff’s tenure in Detroit has been far from disastrous, but he has not been the savior that the team had hoped for when they acquired him. While Goff was not the sole reason for the Lions’ struggles, his limitations were evident throughout his time in Detroit. He is a quarterback who thrives in a system with a strong supporting cast, but when faced with adversity, Goff has struggled to elevate his play.

Although Goff had a slightly better performance in 2023 under the Lions’ improved offensive system, the fact remains that he is not a quarterback who can carry the team by himself or significantly raise the franchise’s ceiling. As of late, Goff has shown glimpses of stability, but his play has consistently lacked the dynamic, game-changing ability that a true franchise quarterback offers. The Lions’ inability to find or develop that player is a significant setback that has delayed their potential growth as a competitive franchise.

4. The Current Situation: A Missed Chance to Compete

Looking at the current state of the Lions, the Stafford trade—while not an unmitigated disaster—has proven to be their most significant error. Stafford’s departure from Detroit allowed the Rams to win a Super Bowl in 2021, showing that a change of scenery for the veteran quarterback was exactly what was needed for his career to hit new heights.

On the other hand, the Lions remain stuck in limbo, still trying to find a solution at quarterback. While they have begun to build a more competitive roster, the question of who will lead this team into the future remains unanswered. The 2024 NFL Draft and potential future moves will be crucial for the franchise in determining whether they can finally secure the long-term answer they’ve been searching for at quarterback.