Position by Position: QB

As we head into 2026, and wait for the Lions to go to battle against the Bears, I thought it would be a good idea to get after the state of the roster heading into next season. To start, let’s dive in with quarterbacks!

Currently Under Contract:

Jared Goff, through 2028 (excluding void years)

Jared Goff is the entrenched starter, and according to Dan Campbell nothing is going to change that. He is a quality starting NFL QB which is hard to find, and has ranked well in most statistical categories.

From my perspective the Lions have had two back to back franchise QBs and are lucky to have had that. Stability at QB is important. As they move into the future a solid QB at the helm will set them up for additional success, and Goff is that guy.

On Expiring Contracts:

Kyle Allen

Kyle Allen didn’t really move the needle for me when he came to the Lions. However watching him in the preseason really helped me at least have some confidence in him. I don’t much care what a player has done prior to playing for the Lions and he looks more serviceable than many backups we’ve had previously (*cough* Tim Boyle *cough*).

I expect the Lions to bring Kyle Allen back to compete. He is inexpensive and has enough talent for a backup spot.

Practice Squad:

CJ Beathard

I remember wondering about CJ Beathard on other teams (namely the 49ers), but as he played it just didn’t work. I’m not saying he’s a terrible quarterback, but he’s been given many opportunities and that has resulted in a practice squad spot.

The Lions may bring him back to compete, or may not. It’s simply not clear without more live reps.

Moving Forward

Remember the Hendon Hooker experiment? I really hoped that was going to work. A mid round QB with a great arm and great mobility. You know what they say: if at first you don’t succeed, try try again. I think the Lions should get another developmental QB in house, someone to be the successor to Goff someday. Regardless of if that is through the draft or free agency.

Furthermore, with the advent of QBs like Sam Darnold and Geno Smith over the last few years, I think the Lions should try to bring in another veteran QB. I’m not saying they’re going to find a diamond in the rough, but stability at backup QB would be a good thing to have with Super Bowl aspirations.

Special thanks to my buddy MCBC for pre-reading!