It’s always a relief for an NFL team to find its quarterback for the future. Likewise, it’s always a great feeling for a player to be set for life financially. On Tuesday, both the Los Angeles Rams and Jared Goff attained that. The Rams announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with Goff on a deal worth $134 million through the 2024 season, including $110 million in guaranteed money.
Goff’s extension will top what the Philadelphia Eagles gave Carson Wentz back in June. Wentz, who was selected one spot behind Goff in the 2016 NFL Draft, received an extension worth $128 million with $107.9 million guaranteed.
With the $4.3 million Goff is set to make this season and the $22.8 million he’ll make in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract in 2020, the young quarterback will make $161 million over the next six seasons.
With Wentz getting the extension earlier in the summer, it seemed inevitable that Goff would also get one sooner rather than later. Rams head coach Sean McVay mentioned during training camp that he was hoping to be “stuck” with Goff as his quarterback for many years to come.
Around the same time, Rams GM Les Snead commented that it was “not a matter of if but when” the team would ink Goff to an extension.
Slow Start
The 24-year-old Goff got off to a slow start as a rookie after being the top overall pick in 2016. He only started seven games, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns that season. To make matters worse, the Rams lost all seven of those games.
But he took a big step forward in his second season, throwing for over 3,800 yards with 38 touchdowns to seven interceptions on his way to being named to the Pro Bowl for the first time. More importantly, he led the Rams to an 11-5 record and the NFC West division title.
Last year, Goff answered any questions about whether he might be a one-season wonder. He put up even better numbers in 2018, increasing his completion percentage from 62 percent to 65 percent, amassed over 4,600 yards passing, and threw 32 touchdown passes, all career highs.
Goff also did enough during the playoffs to lead the Rams to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2001 season. After that, there was little doubt that Goff is the team’s quarterback of the future.
Core Intact
Of course, it’s not just Goff who has secured his future with the Rams. Both McVay and Snead are under contract through the 2023 season. Brandon Cooks, the team’s top wide receiver, and Todd Gurley, one of the best running backs in the NFL, have also signed long-term contracts to keep them with the Rams though 2023. Even Aaron Donald, the most impactful defensive player in the NFL, has inked a long-term agreement.
In other words, a majority of the core players on the Rams are going to stay with the team for at least the next five seasons. It’s not just that Goff will be around for years to come, but the Rams have made sure that he’ll be surrounded by plenty of help, putting them in prime position to continue the success of the past two seasons for years to come.
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