By Daniel 
Lions Could Be Eyeing Jared Goff’s Replacement in Next Draft
It looks like this season might be a make-or-break year for Jared Goff in Detroit.
While Goff has been solid for the Lions, his contract is about to get really expensive. Right now, he’s taking up about 11.7% of the team’s salary cap but by 2026, that number jumps to nearly 23%, with a whopping \$69.6 million cap hit. That kind of money makes it hard to build the rest of the team.
Only a few QBs like Mahomes, Brady, and Manning have ever won a Super Bowl while eating up more than 12% of the cap. So the pressure is definitely on Goff to prove he’s worth the cash.
If the Lions decide to move on, NFL analyst Mark Stolte thinks they could target Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt in the 2026 draft. Leavitt transferred from Michigan State and has become a top Big 12 prospect. Scouts love his upside, and he’s been getting a ton of hype heading into the season.
Goff’s Time to Shine
Even though Goff has looked like a top-10 quarterback in Detroit, the Lions still seem to be preparing for the future. Don’t forget they drafted Hendon Hooker in the third round last year. You don’t spend a top-75 pick on a backup if you’re 100% confident in your starter long-term.
Also, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson gone, Goff has to show he can still deliver without his right-hand man. If not, Hooker or a 2026 draft pick could be next in line.
Who is Sam Leavitt?
Leavitt had a breakout year at Arizona State, throwing for nearly 2,900 yards and 24 touchdowns, plus another five scores on the ground. He even led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. Not bad for his first season as the starter.
He’s heading into this year as the Big 12’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and with ASU once again in the title hunt, his stock could keep rising.
Bottom line: If Goff can’t prove he’s worth the massive deal, the Lions might already have their eyes set on who’s next.