The Detroit Lions will start the 2022 season with Jared Goff as their QB1.
However, there is no backup plan for the team if something happens to him this season.
Tim Boyle and David Blough aren’t exactly quarterbacks that can help Detroit win games without Goff.
That is why the team should have traded for a veteran quarterback.
The player they should have gotten is Baker Mayfield.
While most Lions fans will clearly object to this, there’s three reasons he should have come to the Motor City.
3. Mayfield Gives Depth To The Roster
Again, the Lions don’t have an impressive depth chart in the QB area.
Last season, Boyle took over the Lions offense in three games as starter, due in part to Goff having a knee injury.
If the Lions, who are praying for a better season than 3-13-1, wanted to remain somewhat competitive, they needed Mayfield.
He’s someone that could have, at the least, taken over as a starter if Goff goes down again in 2022.
Some Lions fans see the truth with Goff and how he has a history of injuries.
I didn't think we'd win many games with Goff too be honest. He's been trending downward for yrs; but the injuries and lack of a receiving core isn't helping. I think he's broken personally; and not sure I can do another yr and a half of this nonsense
— Darren L (@fbiagent4hire) November 1, 2021
Those injuries could hamper a 2022 where he’s hoping to help the Lions improve.
If he were to suffer an injury, Mayfield could have done better than the Lions’ current slate of backup QBs.
He could have also helped them win games, like the ones Detroit should have won in 2021 had they had Goff as starting quarterback.
2. Mayfield Coming To Detroit Could Have Fueled Both Him And Goff Into Better QBs
If Detroit would have gotten Mayfield, it would have lit a fire under both him and Goff, showing the Lions, and their fans, who should start in 2022.
A duel between both quarterbacks could have been a help for Detroit in the long run, as they would have two players hungry for the starting job.
It would have been perfect for Mayfield, who’s looking to prove he’s still a starter.
It could have also been a benefit to Goff as well, who wants to show Lions fans that he’s worthy of the mantle Matthew Stafford left behind.
Goff isn't half as good as Stafford. Cut it out.
— C13 (@CS13_1313) January 10, 2022
So a trade for the Cleveland Browns quarterback wouldn’t have been as bad as some would believe in Detroit.
But the best reason they should have gotten him is one that will drive Lions fans crazy.
1. Mayfield Could Have Been Goff’s Replacement If The Ford Family Goes In A Different Direction At QB
Head coach Dan Campbell made a comment that set the football world on fire earlier in 2022.
Do you agree with Dan Campbell that you don't need an elite quarterback for sustained success? #OnePride
"Go ask Kyle Shanahan about what he thinks of Jimmy Garoppolo, he's not elite." – @AdhamBeydoun pic.twitter.com/kSeHW24Mum
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) April 11, 2022
His comment that a team doesn’t need an elite quarterback for sustained success made people question him.
If the Ford family were to follow that direction, that Mayfield trade would have fit that bill.
However, even though he isn’t an elite quarterback, he is one that can win games if he has the right tools around him.
While the Lions lack a powerful running game, they drafted a good receiver during the NFL Draft this year.
That is something that Mayfield could have worked with to get the Lions wins as that non-elite quarterback.
It would have also given coach Campbell a quarterback type that he’s said can give a team success.
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