Jared Goff's 2026 is bound to go a lot differently than his 2025.
And, that should scare the league.
Goff didn't falter all that much during the Detroit Lions' 9-8 season, still keeping his turnovers down, still slinging touchdowns, and still helping keep the team poised despite major struggles in the trenches and with their overall process. Now, with a new offensive coordinator and line in tow, Goff should be able to thrive.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment, too. He recently wrote a piece for the site on how Goff is likely the most underrated signal caller in the NFL headed into 2026, which is quite the feat for a former No. 1 overall pick.
"Although Goff's detractors will suggest that he has benefited from playing for some of the brightest offensive minds in football -- while also being flanked by some of the game's best playmakers and pass protectors -- Goff deserves great acclaim for helping the X's and O's come to life with his accuracy and decision-making."
Analyst sings Goff's praises ahead of critical season
Brooks mentions a slew of stats in Goff's favor, such as his major lead in the league in total passing yards and touchdowns since 2022. He is beyond consistent - he's a given for the Lions offense. It's a privilege for Detroit to not have any worries about where they'll be getting their offense in the air from, game in and game out.
Brooks also dispels the notion that Goff has been a merchant for whichever offensive coordinator walks in the door that given season. Ben Johnson's departure was a loss for the Lions' offense overall, and we saw that with the 2-D way it was operated in 2025 compared to its high-flying energy in past seasons under Johnson. Despite that flatness, though, Goff remained a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback and a strong leader for the Lions.
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Goff enters 2026 with the same goal as every other Detroit player - getting to and winning a Super Bowl. It's hard to imagine a world where his play will hold them back from that goal. With better protection around him, in addition to a new coordinator ready to bring back the teams' spark, Goff could be in line for yet another Pro Bowl nod and yet another Super Bowl appearance.
Of course, if the teams' defense can remain healthy and coherent, then that possibility should be officially shifted up the scale. Goff can't do it all on his own.
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