Lions QB Jared Goff gets coveted security in new deal in the form of no-trade clause

Allen Park — The money was never a question or concern for quarterback Jared Goff in his contract negotiations with the Lions.

Sure, there was some external debate about whether the extension was going to average more or less than $50 million. But after Goff's individual production and the team's success the past two seasons, he was always destined to become one of the league's highest-paid players, once again.

What mattered most to Goff was security. Not just in the financial sense, but an ability to confidently solidify his roots in Detroit, a city that has grown to embrace the California native as one of its own. It's why he made sure to secure a no-trade clause as part of the deal, which is designed to keep him with the Lions through the 2027 season, at the very least.

"I think you can go back and forth on the numbers and whatnot, but that wasn't really the thing I was ever extremely concerned with," Goff said. "It was the security and the no-trade clause and all that stuff that was in there. (It was) feeling secure and knowing I can now put that behind me and be excited about what's to come." 

Asked for clarity on the clause, Goff noted they've become common with the league's top quarterbacks. Among them, Russell Wilson had one with Denver and Deshaun Watson had one with Houston. It gives the player a level of control with his future if the relationship unexpectedly dissolves, as it did in those two cases.

For Goff, having a no-trade clause is even more personal. He didn't have that control in 2021, when, a year after signing a similarly massive extension with the Los Angeles Rams, he was unceremoniously dealt to the Lions, along with three draft picks, for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

That wound has long since healed, but the scar remains. Of course, the bad memory has led to an unexpectedly brighter future. Years later, Goff confidently calls the trade the best thing that could have happened to him, personally and professionally.

"It’s been tremendous, obviously," Goff said. "I said this a minute ago upstairs, but the reward, the contract, and the success we've been able to have has been awesome. But the journey itself these past three years has been the true success. The true meaning of success, I guess.

"Obviously, the wins and getting the contract are amazing, but being able to go through that together with my teammates and my family, and go through the dark times and grow through those times and learn more about yourself and work on yourself, that's the win in all this. I'm happy to be able to stand in front of you and be your quarterback for a lot longer. This city has meant a lot to me."

A three-time Pro Bowler, Goff led the Lions to their first division title and playoff victories in more than three decades last season. After a sluggish start to his tenure with the franchise, as it entered a rebuild coinciding with his acquisition, he's settled in to complete 66.2% of his passes for 9,013 yards and 59 touchdowns the past two seasons, leading the team to a 21-13 regular-season record during that stretch.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

@Justin_Rogers