Goff excited to be on team that 'wants me and appreciates me'

Jared Goff is eager for a fresh start after the Los Angeles Rams reportedly dealt him to the Detroit Lions.

"I'm just excited to be somewhere that I know wants me and appreciates me," Goff told NFL Network's Michael Silver.

Goff was an instrumental piece in the Rams' blockbuster deal to acquire Matthew Stafford. The young signal-caller was sent to the Lions along with two first-round picks and a third round-pick.

Detroit will now pair the 26-year-old quarterback with new head coach Dan Campbell after Goff's tenure soured in Los Angeles.

Just two seasons after being part of the Rams' squad that competed in Super Bowl LIII, Goff fell out of favor with the Los Angeles brass. Goff's inconsistent play coupled with his large $134-million contract made the quarterback's future uncertain heading into the upcoming offseason.

Both L.A. head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead declined to commit to him earlier this offseason. Goff also reportedly had a strained relationship with McVay.

Goff was supplanted by undrafted quarterback John Wolford toward the end of the 2020 season due to a thumb injury. Wolford started the regular-season finale in place of the injured passer and started in the wild-card game despite Goff being active.

The Lions will be on the hook for Goff's $27-million cap hit in 2021, per Spotrac, but his contract increases in flexibility in the future. His dead cap hit decreases to $15.5 million next year and a potential out for no charge appears in 2023.

The former No. 1 pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Goff has posted a 42-27 record over his career. He's struggled to replicate his earlier success in recent seasons, throwing 42 touchdowns against 29 interceptions over his last 31 regular-season starts.

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