Jared Goff has been at the center of Detroit’s resurgence — but could the Lions already be eyeing life after their Pro Bowl quarterback?
According to a new 2025 NFL mock draft, the Lions are predicted to use one of their top picks on a quarterback — someone scouts believe could become Goff’s eventual replacement. It’s a bold move that suggests Detroit may be planning for the future, even as the team is very much built to win now.
The logic? Goff’s contract is hefty, and while he’s coming off a strong season that helped power the Lions to their deepest playoff run in decades, the front office may want to hedge its bets. Drafting a young quarterback now gives them time to develop a potential successor under ideal conditions — without throwing a rookie into the fire.
It wouldn’t necessarily mean Goff’s time is up. In fact, a move like this would resemble what the Chiefs once did with Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes: a proven starter holding it down while a rookie soaks up the playbook in the background.
It’s also worth noting that Detroit’s front office has been aggressive about building for both the present and the long term. With strong rosters across the board, the team could afford to use a premium pick on a quarterback without sacrificing immediate needs.
Whether or not the Lions follow through with that prediction, one thing is clear — they’re playing chess, not checkers. And they may already be planning the next chapter of their franchise at the game’s most important position.
