When Jared Goff was traded to the Detroit Lions in 2021, few would have predicted that the partnership between him and the team would become worthy of a Sports Illustrated cover story. Yet, three seasons later and after an appearance in the NFC Championship game, Goff and the Lions have experienced both challenging times and surprising success since the Los Angeles Rams decided to trade him, along with two first-round picks, in exchange for Matthew Stafford.
The Rams quickly reaped the benefits of the trade, winning a Super Bowl in Stafford’s first season with the team. However, the Lions are now considered by many to be strong contenders to win the next Super Bowl, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise.
One of the most valuable losses for the Rams in 2021 was Brad Holmes, who left to become the Lions’ general manager and has since become one of the most sought-after executives in the NFL. While the Rams would likely never have replaced Les Snead with Holmes, the Lions’ decision to hire Holmes has proven to be one of their best in the Super Bowl era.
Since taking over, Holmes has made several impactful moves, including acquiring Goff and two first-round picks in the Stafford trade. His draft picks have included standout players like RT Penei Sewell, DE Aidan Hutchinson, and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, among others. Holmes has also been active in free agency, bringing in key contributors such as RB David Montgomery, DT D.J. Reader, and trading for CB Carlton Davis.
The Lions recently extended Goff’s contract, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league at $53 million per season. Additionally, the team has managed to retain their star offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, who has overseen a top-5 offense for the past two seasons. Despite the likelihood that Johnson has received head coaching offers, he remains committed to helping the Lions pursue a Super Bowl victory.
Overall, the Lions’ transformation under Goff and Holmes has been remarkable, turning a once struggling franchise into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
