Jared Goff has been one of the NFL's most productive quarterbacks since arriving in Detroit in 2016, and one analyst believes he could reach a milestone achieved by only a handful of players.

Sean Balligan of Woodward Sports Network recently predicted Goff could become just the 10th quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 passing yards in a season.

“Is it possible that we’re looking at Jared Goff seriously approaching 5,000 yards passing this year?” said Sean Balligan of Woodward Sports Network. “... If our defense is as worrisome as I think it’s going to be... If we have to make a concerted effort to outscore people... Then that means he's going to be throwing the ball a little bit more than we're accustomed to."

Balligan argued on YouTube @WoodwardSports that Goff has thrown for over 4,600 yards three times in his career, and how Goff might be given more of a role next season, despite still having Jahmyr Gibbs as their running back.

“I think in all honesty, this is a case where we’re going to have to keep scoring,” argued Balligan. “Ball control is one thing, and you know how Dan [Campbell] likes to operate there, but I think more than anything, you’re going to see the five-yard pass, the seven-yard pass.”

Despite dealing with an inconsistent offensive line and play-calling last season, Goff still threw for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and completed 68% of his passes..

Balligan believes improvements around Goff could give him a realistic chance of reaching that milestone in 2026.

Even with that optimism, not every analyst places Goff among the NFL's elite quarterbacks. CBS Sports recently placed Goff in its "Borderline Stars" quarterback tier.

CBS Sports still sees Jared Goff just outside the NFL's elite tier

While Balligan believes Goff could produce a historic statistical season, not every analyst views him among the league's elite quarterbacks just yet.

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports grouped quarterbacks into tiers rather than assigning traditional rankings.

In the top tier, titled transcendent talents, were Matthew Stafford, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow. In the next tier, titles borderline stars, Goff was named behind Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold, Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels.

“Goff appears to have reached his career arc unless the Lions make another deep playoff run,” wrote DeArdo. “A former No.1 overall pick, Goff has enjoyed a highly productive career that includes a Super Bowl appearance with the Rams, five Pro Bowl selections, and leading Detroit to its first playoff wins since 1991.”

Meanwhile, Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott, Drake Maye, and Trevor Lawrence were also in the tier alongside Goff.

However, if Goff can have a good season and help lead the Lions to the playoffs and contend for the Super Bowl, Goff could make a claim for a spot in the top 5.

Where would you rank Goff in a list of top quarterbacks in the NFL? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Rudra Dubey