Jared Goff Signs with Nike: Latest Contract Details, Reaction

Former California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff figures to be one of the early picks in the 2016 NFL draft, and Nike has reportedly signed him to a deal. 

Arash Markazi of ESPN.com shared the news Wednesday:

This may be one of the first of many endorsement opportunities for Goff if he truly is the No. 1 pick in the draft for the Los Angeles Rams, as Markazi suggested may happen. Los Angeles is arguably the entertainment capital of the world, and Goff has the chance to become a recognizable star and the face of the football franchise that just moved into the large market.

Nike welcomed him to the fold Wednesday with a video that Darren Rovell of ESPN.com said depicted plays Goff made at the Armed Forces Bowl:

The Rams put themselves in position to potentially draft Goff by acquiring the No. 1 overall pick via a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Adam Schefter of ESPN noted Los Angeles parted with the Nos. 15, 43, 45 and 76 picks in this year’s draft and a first- and third-round pick in 2017 to land the top pick, in addition to the Nos. 113 and 177 selections.

If Los Angeles is looking for a quarterback, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz is another option; however, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller cited multiple sources who think the Rams will take Goff:

Goff threw for 4,719 yards and 43 touchdowns last season at California. He boasts solid mobility in the pocket that allows him to evade pressure and impressive accuracy downfield and on underneath routes when he does have the chance to set his feet.

A quarterback may be the missing piece for this Rams squad that features a solid defense that finished 13th in the league in points allowed per game in 2015 and has playmakers such as Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. The Rams also have the defending Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year in Todd Gurley at running back.

Signal-caller Nick Foles was benched last season for journeyman Case Keenum, and Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times said Foles’ future with the Rams is “uncertain.”

That could leave the door wide open for Goff to come in and seize the starting role in Los Angeles, which is probably just what Nike wants to hear after signing him to an endorsement deal.