The 2026 NFL Draft talk has already started, and many around the league are buzzing about what’s shaping up to be an absolutely loaded quarterback class. Mike Payton of A to Z Sports even went so far as to say it would be “shocking” if the Lions didn’t draft one of them in the first round.
But let’s pump the brakes. The Detroit Lions don’t need to go quarterback hunting in 2026, and here’s why.
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Jared Goff Is Still Playing at a High Level
Yes, the Lions stumbled out of the gate in Week 1. But let’s not forget what Jared Goff has done in Detroit. In 2024, he put up over 4,600 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and a 111.8 passer rating, MVP-level numbers by any standard. At 30 years old, Goff is squarely in his prime. By the time his current contract runs its course in 2028, he’ll only be 34. That’s still well within the window for an NFL quarterback to play at a high level, just ask Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford.
Drafting a quarterback in 2026 feels like a solution in search of a problem.
The Lions Have Bigger Roster Needs
Instead of throwing a first-round pick at a “future quarterback,” Brad Holmes should keep doing what he’s done so well: building the trenches and surrounding Goff with talent.
Detroit has questions at offensive line depth, edge rusher depth, and even linebacker long-term. Those are the spots that win championships.
Goff doesn’t need a replacement, he needs support. Keep drafting guys who can protect him, pressure the opposing QB, and open lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs.
Draft Classes Always Look Better Early
Right now, people are salivating over names like Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, and LaNorris Sellers. But how many times have we seen “can’t miss” QB prospects flame out? Just look at Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, or Sam Darnold.
The hype is real today, but history tells us only two or three of those big names will actually pan out. That’s a dangerous gamble for a team already built to win now.
Jared Goff Sundae Conversation
Goff Is the Guy Until He Proves Otherwise
Lions fans don’t need to overthink this. Jared Goff is the quarterback who took this franchise from the basement to legitimate Super Bowl contender. Drafting his replacement two years early isn’t forward-thinking, it’s undermining the culture and stability Dan Campbell has worked so hard to build.
As Campbell himself likes to say, “Just handle the meat and potatoes.” Right now, the meat and potatoes are riding with Goff, investing in the roster around him, and pushing for a Lombardi.
The Bottom Line
The Lions don’t need to join the 2026 quarterback frenzy. They already have their guy in Jared Goff, and he’s more than capable of leading this team for the next three to four seasons. Brad Holmes’ focus should stay on strengthening the roster, not rolling the dice on a rookie QB who may or may not be ready by 2027.
Detroit’s Super Bowl window is open now, don’t waste precious draft capital planning for a future that doesn’t need fixing.