Jared Goff’s Contract with the Detroit Lions: A Detailed Breakdown

Jared Goff, the quarterback for the Detroit Lions, has been with the team since being traded by the Los Angeles Rams in March 2021. His contract is one of the key components in understanding the financial strategy behind the Lions’ roster, and it represents a significant commitment from the team in both financial and strategic terms.

Background: The Trade and Initial Contract Situation

The trade that sent Goff from the Rams to the Lions was one of the biggest NFL deals of 2021. In exchange for Goff, the Lions received not only the quarterback but also a host of draft picks, including two future first-round picks (in 2022 and 2023) and a third-round pick in the 2021 draft. Goff’s trade was essentially a part of a rebuild for both teams—Los Angeles making room for quarterback Matthew Stafford, while Detroit began its own rebuild under head coach Dan Campbell.

At the time of the trade, Goff’s contract was a significant factor. Goff had signed a massive, four-year, $134 million extension with the Rams in 2019. That extension included $110 million in guaranteed money, one of the largest guarantees in NFL history at the time. This extension was part of the reason why the Rams felt compelled to move Goff, as his contract was seen as burdensome by the team, especially after his performance began to regress following the Rams’ Super Bowl appearance in 2018.

When Goff was traded to the Lions, Detroit inherited the remaining years of that massive contract, which included a hefty base salary and sizable roster bonuses. As part of the trade, the Rams agreed to pay a significant portion of Goff’s contract to help facilitate the deal.

Contract Details: Years and Salaries Remaining

As of 2025, Goff’s contract with the Detroit Lions has been restructured to reflect a more manageable cap hit, but it still contains considerable financial obligations that will stretch into the 2025 season and beyond.

Here are the key details of Jared Goff’s contract with the Lions:

1. Contract Duration

Goff signed a four-year, $134 million extension with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, and this extension carried over to his contract with the Lions when he was traded. This contract had multiple layers of guaranteed money, bonuses, and roster provisions that had to be addressed as part of the trade package.

Currently, Goff’s contract with the Lions has two years remaining as of the 2025 season. These remaining years include his base salary for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and the Lions are set to face an important decision in terms of Goff’s long-term future with the franchise.

2. Base Salary and Cap Hits

Goff’s salary structure for the 2025 season is important for understanding the financial burden on the Lions. The base salary for 2025 is $20 million, and his salary cap hit for that season is expected to be around $30 million. The cap hit includes not only his base salary but also various roster bonuses and other payments that count against the Lions’ salary cap.

In 2026, Goff’s base salary is expected to be around $22 million, with a cap hit of approximately $33 million. These cap figures represent a significant commitment by the Lions to the veteran quarterback, and they indicate that the team is still willing to invest in Goff as a key part of their future.

3. Guaranteed Money

The guaranteed money in Goff’s contract is another important aspect of the deal. When he was traded to Detroit, the Lions inherited the majority of his guaranteed money from the original contract extension. This guarantee was structured in such a way that it gave Goff a significant financial cushion, but also created a burden for the Lions in terms of salary cap management.

For 2025, Goff’s contract has a dead cap hit of about $35 million, which means that if the Lions were to release or trade him, they would be responsible for that amount. However, after the 2025 season, Goff’s contract has a much lower dead cap hit, which would make it easier for the Lions to move on from him if they choose to do so.

4. Roster Bonuses and Incentives

In addition to his base salary, Goff’s contract includes a number of performance-based roster bonuses and incentives. These bonuses are often tied to Goff’s performance as a starting quarterback, such as reaching certain milestones in passing yards, touchdowns, or team success (like playoff appearances). While these bonuses are not guaranteed, they offer the opportunity for Goff to earn additional money depending on his performance.

These performance incentives make Goff’s contract flexible, as the Lions could theoretically adjust the structure of the contract based on his play and the team’s needs.

5. Potential Out After 2025

One key feature of Goff’s contract with the Lions is the possibility of a “contract out” after the 2025 season. This means that after the 2025 season, the Lions could opt to cut Goff or trade him without a significant financial penalty. This is particularly important in terms of team flexibility.

Should Goff struggle to maintain his level of play or if the Lions decide to go in a different direction at quarterback (perhaps by drafting a young QB or trading for another veteran), they would have the option to move on from him after the 2025 season without being burdened by an excessive dead cap hit.

Goff’s Role in the Lions’ Future

The question remains: what role will Jared Goff play in the Lions’ long-term future? When the Lions made the trade for Goff, they were in the early stages of a rebuild. Goff was viewed as a bridge quarterback—a solid veteran who could provide stability while the team built up its roster and potentially found their next franchise quarterback.

However, Goff’s performance with the Lions has exceeded expectations. In his first two seasons with Detroit, Goff has shown a strong ability to lead the team, putting up solid numbers and helping guide the team to competitive seasons. His chemistry with head coach Dan Campbell has been a highlight, and Goff has been praised for his leadership both on and off the field.

By the end of the 2023 season, Goff had firmly cemented himself as the starting quarterback for the Lions, and the team’s coaching staff and front office appeared committed to him as a key piece of their future. Given the emergence of the Lions as a playoff contender, it is possible that they will want to keep Goff for the duration of his contract and beyond.

The Lions’ Decision-Making Process

As the Lions look ahead to the 2025 and 2026 seasons, they will have to weigh their options carefully when it comes to Goff. They will likely consider several factors:

1. Goff’s Performance: If Goff continues to play at a high level, the Lions may choose to extend his contract beyond 2026 or restructure it to make it more team-friendly. If he falters, the Lions could look to move on.
2. The Draft: The Lions may eventually decide to draft a young quarterback to take over for Goff, and his contract will be an important factor in that decision.
3. Cap Flexibility: Goff’s contract gives the Lions significant flexibility. If they decide to cut or trade him after 2025, they would face a relatively low dead cap hit. However, keeping him through 2026 means a continued commitment to a high cap hit, which could limit the team’s ability to improve in other areas of the roster.
4. Team Success: The Lions’ front office will also evaluate the team’s success in the coming seasons. If the team continues to make progress and contend for playoff spots, Goff’s stability and leadership could be seen as assets worth maintaining.