The Detroit Lions may have found Jared Goff's future backup. A USA Today analyst is comparing Georgia QB Carson Beck to the Lions' star. The comparison is notable after Goff's 2024 MVP-caliber season.

Ayrton Ostly of USA Today has written that the Detroit Lions could land their hands on a quarterback (QB) via the 2026 NFL draft. With QB2 Kyle Allen heading to the Buffalo Bills.

According to Ostly, Carson Beck from the Miami Hurricanes could be the best fit as the primary backup QB for Jared Goff. 

“Beck compares well to a Goff-type quarterback,” Ostly wrote. “He’s got prototypical size at 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds, making him durable enough to handle NFL defenders in his face.”

Carsen Beck first started his football career with the Georgia Bulldogs. In his initial two years (2021 and 2022), he didn't see much of the game with a total of just 486 yards and six passing touchdowns.

But in the next two years, he burst onto the scene, nearing 8,000 yards. After playing for four seasons with the Bulldogs, he joined the Miami Hurricanes as a quarterback. 

It is clear that Ayrton Ostly holds QB Jared Goff in very high regard as well.  

“Detroit’s offensive ecosystem turned Jared Goff into one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL,” Ostly also wrote.

Since 2022, Jared Goff has played all the games for the Detroit Lions, amassing five Pro Bowl selections to date.

But having a young developmental QB could be smart for the Lions as a failsafe. Considering Beck shares attributes with Goff, he could learn from the star QB in his first year too. 

Why Carson Beck Could Be a Good Fit for the Detroit Lions

Last year, Beck's 3,813 passing yards were tied for the fourth-most in the league. While seeing him as a starter is perhaps too hopeful, he could definitely fit in well and learn from a talented Lions roster.

Jared Goff thrives when there is strong protection, defined reads, and rhythm passing. Beck brings a similar base. He’s comfortable sliding in the pocket, buying an extra second, and still keeping his eyes downfield. In Detroit’s offense, this matters.

Because Dan Campbell’s system is built on precision, it also demands toughness. That's where Beck's 6 feet 5 inch stature can help, be it in a crowded pocket or to absorb contact better.

“Detroit’s talents at running back (Jahmyr Gibbs), wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), and tight end (Sam LaPorta) are good enough for him to operate in the point guard role he did in college and distribute the ball in the case of a Goff injury,” Ostly further added.

This offensive talent would allow a young quarterback to develop all aspects of his game.

Does Carsen Beck truly match Jared Goff’s style, or offer Detroit something even better long-term? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote