By Blessing 
Notes: Jared Goff Ranked Seventh-Best NFL Quarterback
Jared Goff has quietly worked his way back into the spotlight—and the NFL is finally taking notice. Once questioned after a rocky first season in Detroit, the veteran quarterback has climbed the ranks to become one of the league’s most efficient and dependable passers.
After a rough start in 2021 with the Detroit Lions, Goff turned things around in a big way. Over the past three seasons, he’s regained the form that once carried the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl. Now, heading into the 2025 season, he’s not just relevant—he’s elite.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently placed Goff at No. 7
n preview on his list of the top NFL quarterbacks, a spot that reflects both his consistency and his recent success. Gagnon highlighted Goff’s unique position in the league, especially compared to some of the younger names on the list.
“Jared Goff is unique to this section of the list because he doesn’t have the trajectory of the younger quarterbacks surrounding him on both sides,” Gagnon wrote. “And frankly, it wouldn’t take more than an awful 2025 campaign to cause him to disappear entirely from this list in 2026 a la Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford.”
But for now, Goff is very much in the conversation—largely due to his stellar 2024 season. He led the NFC in passer rating, completing an impressive 72.4% of his passes for a Lions team considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender. He also excelled in high-pressure moments, posting a remarkable 128.9 passer rating on third downs.
“And that’s not completely new,” Gagnon added, “for a veteran with a superb 102.7 passer rating dating back to the start of the 2022 season.”
Still, not everything is perfect in Goff’s world. Gagnon pointed to his disappointing performance in a playoff loss to the Washington Commanders as a reason for concern. Goff threw three interceptions in that game, a glaring blemish on an otherwise strong season.
“Is it concerning that the 30-year-old threw three interceptions in a dud playoff loss to the Commanders? For sure,” Gagnon noted. “The Lions will need him to improve on his career playoff passer rating of 85.1 or that regular-season success from the last few years won’t amount to much. This is another case in which 2025 will be critical.”
In short, Goff has earned his place among the best—but he’ll need to keep proving it. The 2025 season may define how long he remains among the NFL’s top-tier quarterbacks.
Around the Den – Lions News from May 7:
- Top Backfield in the League? CBS Sports recognized Detroit’s dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as the best running back room in the NFL.
- Rookie Fit Check: The Athletic evaluated how each of the Lions’ seven draft picks aligns with the team’s system and culture.
- Defensive Review: Detroit Football Network took a deep dive into film on rookie defensive end Ahmed Hassanein.
- A Nod from a Legend: Tom Brady, on the Impaulsive Podcast, listed two former Lions as some of the most intimidating defenders he ever faced.
- Offseason Grades: Sports Illustrated handed the Lions a C+ for their offseason moves, analyzing each NFC North team’s progress.
- Roster Move: Wide receiver Antoine Green was waived, with a failed physical designation listed on the NFL transaction wire.
- Safety in Training: Lions safety Kerby Joseph was spotted working out with former teammate Tracy Walker in preparation for OTAs.
As the Lions gear up for a pivotal season, all eyes will be on Goff—and whether he can take the next step and lead Detroit back to the Super Bowl stage.