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NFL 2023: Predicting the starting QB for all 32 teams pre-NFL Free Agency

By Sayre Bedinger

2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
2023 NFL offseason: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field before a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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2023 NFL offseason
2023 NFL offseason; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) on the field during warm ups at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions: Jared Goff

Possible backup option: Anthony Richardson (2023 NFL Draft)

I wrote about the Detroit Lions, specifically, in a recent post outlining why this offseason might be a tremendous opportunity for them to go after a high-upside option at QB in the NFL Draft. The 2023 NFL Draft class isn’t overly revered for its quarterbacks, not like the 2024 class will be. But this class has some serious intrigue and polarizing prospects, some of which will be available to the Lions.

For starters, let’s talk about the starter — Jared Goff.

Goff has done an incredible job in Detroit after being considered basically a throw-in in the Matthew Stafford trade. Although the Rams “won” that trade in terms of Stafford pushing them over the hump into Super Bowl champion status, it’s hard not to look at this trade as a true win-win from Detroit’s perspective as well.

Detroit got Goff, who has helped elevate this offense under Ben Johnson to truly being one of the best in the NFL. They also used the first pick from Los Angeles to move up for Jameson Williams, the talented receiver who should be a key part of the offense in year two.

They also have the 6th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from that trade.

As good as Goff has been for the Lions, I wouldn’t be shocked if they used their 6th overall pick on someone like Anthony Richardson out of Florida, Will Levis out of Kentucky, or CJ Stroud of Ohio State. They could very easily justify picking a QB in that slot assuming they’re not going to be picking there for a while with the way things are trending.

It’s a dilemma for general manager Brad Holmes, but it’s a very justifiable move given the circumstances with that team. Having a rookie QB under contract would allow this team to reset when Goff’s contract is up (2025) or they could move off of his deal in 2024 with only $5 million in dead money.

Either way, drafting a QB at 6 overall — even with as well as Goff has played — is not a bad investment.

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