The Lions have finally gotten over the hump of making the playoffs and being an elite team. However, Detroit is now a Super Bowl contender, and every season the franchise doesn’t end with a ring on its finger will be considered a disappointment.

After a tough 45-31 loss against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round, some have questioned if the Lions are as close as they appeared.

It was another game Jared Goff struggled, throwing three interceptions and just one touchdown. Goff, only 30 years old, has plenty left in the tank, but he’s struggled in big games throughout his career.

Detroit shouldn’t expect to find anyone better, but Marissa Myers of TWSN predicted future rookie quarterback Will Howard could replace him in a shocking move.

“The Lions have the talent with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, but they don’t have the signal caller under center to truly help elevate the potential of the offense to the fullest. Goff is a game-managing quarterback that isn’t mobile and fails to adjust to defenses post-snap.

“This was showcased against Washington as he completed just 23-of-40 passes for one touchdown with three interceptions. With Ben Johnson now gone as well, the entire offense for Detroit will head in a different direction, and that includes the quarterback position,” Myers wrote.

Howard has seen his draft stock rise in recent weeks, but Goff is a much better quarterback, especially at this stage of their careers.

With the Lions in a win-now situation, it’d be more than a surprise to see them move on from him for an unproven rookie who had question marks at Ohio State.