Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is under contract through the 2028 season, but one analyst believes the team could start searching for his future replacement sooner rather than later.
In a three-round mock draft from AtoZ Sports' Travis May, he projects the Lions will draft LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 28 overall selection during the 2026 draft.
Here's what he wrote on the prediction:
Garrett Nussmeier found immediate success in his first full season starting for the LSU Tigers in 2024 as he amassed over 4000 yards and 29 passing touchdowns last fall. He needs to improve on his efficiency and cut down on the turnovers (12 interceptions), but he certainly looks like a potential first round QB.
This may seem like a strange selection for the Lions, but their roster is already championship caliber. They make a luxury pick here to lock in their future at quarterback–drafting one that actually looks a whole lot like Jared Goff. Both were high volume passers with decent efficiency and mobility questions heading into their final seasons. Goff took a big leap that earned him first round capital. Nussmeier can do the same.
Nussmeier is widely considered one of the better quarterback prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL draft, so it's possible he could come off the board earlier than this should he excel in 2025.
When it comes to Goff's future in Detroit, he isn't going anywhere before 2027, when the dead-cap charge becomes an amount the Lions can stomach via a post-June 1 cut, which would incur $14.6 million in dead money.
In 2028, the dead-cap charge is the same whether he gets the ouster pre- or post-June 1.
However, if Goff can lead the Lions to a Super Bowl in the next few years, chances are he'll finish out his career in Detroit and the Lions won't need to look for his replacement for multiple more seasons.
None of this is to say the Lions wouldn't draft a young quarterback in the years ahead. In fact, we've already seen them do it with Hendon Hooker.
But we just can't see the Lions springing for one in the first round anytime soon.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Dan Campbell's comment on carrying 3rd QB is bad news for Hendon Hooker
Lions rookie Jackson Meeks in same company as Ja'Marr Chase
Former San Francisco 49ers draft pick predicted to get cut by Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell has negative injury update for Detroit Lions veteran pass rusher