Lions' Dan Campbell Rules out Replacing Jared Goff with Lamar Jackson: We've Got a QB

The uncertain future of Lamar Jackson is the center of the NFL universe at this point, meaning that more than a few owners, executives and coaches are getting some questions about him tossed their way.

But don't expect the Detroit Lions to be in the running.

"Look, Lamar is a heck of a talent," head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Tuesday. "Trying to defend that guy has been something else. We played them two years ago. But, man, we've got a quarterback. So, I'm like, 'We've got a quarterback, and thank god we got one.' So, we're good. But, man, he's a heck of a talent."

Campbell was of course referring to Jared Goff, the incumbent starter in Detroit. The 28-year-old played well for the Lions last season, throwing for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while taking only 23 sacks and completing 65.1 percent of his passes.

He played in all 17 games, leading the Lions to a 9-8 record and nearly getting the team into the playoffs.

All in all, it was an excellent season for Goff. But he also isn't a former MVP or one of the most dynamic two-way threats as a thrower and runner in NFL history. Jackson is, however.

So Campbell's comments almost assuredly had a ring of diplomacy about them. He's not going to say he would prefer a different quarterback to his current one, in the event the Lions never land Jackson. That would inevitably sour his relationship—and potentially the organization's relationship—with Goff.

But it's hard to imagine that if the Lions had the choice between Jackson and Goff that they wouldn't choose the former. Jackson is a rare talent; Goff has been inconsistent in his career, though he was good last year.

Realistically, though, Jackson likely wouldn't land in Detroit, and the Lions and Campbell seem more than happy with Goff. So if there are upgrades to be had on the roster, they will have to come at other positions.

"I would say this, man," Campbell said. "This year, as with most, you're always looking to upgrade. And free agency has given us the ability in areas to, man, we can do whatever we need to do in the draft. We feel pretty good about that. We don't feel forced to do anything. So with that, I would say, man, it doesn't matter what the position is. If we can upgrade our team top to bottom, we will do that."