Lions rumors: Washington Commanders called about Jared Goff?

If the Washington Commanders have indeed called about any quarterback who might be available, it stands to reason they’ve called the Lions about Jared Goff.

Even as it looks like he’s locked in as the Detroit Lions‘ starting quarterback, at least into next season, no one is strictly unavailable and there would be a price to acquire Jared Goff in a trade. If another team was so inclined.

From the NFL Combine this week, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has made it clear the team is covering all their bases in pursuit of a quarterback. According to ESPN’s John Keim, general manager Martin Mayhew said the Commanders have spoken to every club that has a quarterback who might be available. Keim added information from a source saying Washington had an initial list of around 40 quarterbacks to at least discuss or investigate, including those in college.

Even under a newer regime, did Washington really called the Minnesota Vikings about a reunion with Kirk Cousins, who is theoretically available? Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he has received no trade calls on Aaron Rodgers, as if he’d say so if he has.

Lions rumors: Washington called about Jared Goff?

If the Lions are going to part ways with Goff this offseason, it’s going to be via trade. A pre-June 1 trade would leave behind $15 million of his $31.5 million cap hit for 2022 in dead money, and a post-June 1 deal would drop the dead money to $5 million.

Adding a bit of fuel to the idea Washington called the Lions about Goff is this, in what looks like a little more than a pure dart throw, from the SB Nation Commanders’ blog Hogs Haven.

For the right price in a trade, almost anyone in the NFL could be available. For the Lions to entertain trading Goff this offseason, which is not out of the question even if it’s easy to tab as unlikely, who would replace him as the starter in 2022 is a natural need and consideration. If they have some viable options in mind to replace Goff, then there’s a non-zero chance they’d consider a trade offer. Washington may very well have put one on the table, without demanding an immediate “take it or leave it” response.