The Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams have agreed upon a deal that will send QB Matthew Stafford to LA. In return, the Lions will receive two future first round picks, a third round pick, and QB Jared Goff. Stafford was only on the block for a week or so before the Rams swept in and grabbed him.
Goff reunites with former Rams scouting director and new Lions GM, Brad Holmes. Holmes scouted Goff in 2016 when the Rams’ took him #1 overall. It seems as if Holmes still sees what he saw in Goff when he was playing at the University of California, as Goff will most likely be the starting QB for Lions for the next few years.
As a fan of the Lions, it’s sad to see Stafford go, but the city of Detroit is excited for the future of the Detroit Lions.
Matthew Stafford’s Time In Detroit
In 2009, the Lions selected Stafford with the first pick of the NFL Draft. Coming off an 0-16 season, he was going to be the guy to turn this organization around. But, as we know, not much came from the former Georgia Bulldog. Yes, the stats were glamorous, throwing for 45,109 yards and 282 touchdowns during his 12 years with the Lions. However, those numbers didn’t translate into wins. Stafford had a 74-90-1 record during his time there, with only three playoff appearances where he lost in the Wild Card game each time.
It is hard to blame Stafford for the lack of success by the Lions, though. His toughness and talent was something we really haven’t seen from a Quarterback in Detroit. But the organization was lackluster, and they never found their Head Coach. Us Lions’ fans will definitely miss Stafford, but it was time to move on.
Speaking of toughness, we can’t forget maybe the greatest Mic’d up moment ever –
The Future For The Lions
Although the Lions may not have the talent to compete for a playoff spot this year, the new regime, young players, and draft capital sure makes it easy to look forward to the future. Dan Campbell, Detroit’s pick as head coach, plays the part well, fitting right into the franchise’s new direction. He brings an energy the Lions haven’t seen from a head coach. He’s passionate about the city of Detroit as he was a Lion, and he knows the suffering this fan-base and city as a whole has been through.
New GM Brad Holmes has done a very nice job choosing his coordinators, too. Former Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn will be the offensive coordinator for the Lions, and former Saints’ defensive back coach, Aaron Glenn, will man the defense. Former Lion Chris Spielman and new Senior Personnel Executive John Dorsey are two more exciting adds to the Front Office.
TJ Hockenson, Jeff Okudah, Frank Ragnow, D’Andre Swift and Romeo Okwara are among some of the young players that Lions fans hope to watch blossom into stars. You can add Jared Goff into that mix too, as he is still only 26 years old. The Lions also hold the seventh pick in this years’ draft, which will add another young piece to this team.
Winners/Losers of The Trade
Winners:
Detroit Lions – The haul the Lions got back for Matthew Stafford was more than any of us could’ve expected. Three draft picks and a two-time Pro-Bowl QB in Jared Goff? That’s a nice deal if you ask me.
Los Angeles Rams – I don’t believe in the narrative that only one team can be a winner of a trade. They made an upgrade at quarterback, which was their plan this offseason. Did they give up a bit more than they should’ve? Maybe, but with the addition of Stafford, it makes them an immediate top-5 contender for the Super Bowl next year.
Matthew Stafford – Stafford lands in Sean McVay’s QB-friendly system in Los Angeles. Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Van Jefferson are great weapons surrounding him, too. May I add the Rams’ defense ranked #1 in yards allowed last season? Stafford will finally get a chance at a ring with the Rams.
Losers:
Jared Goff – No player likes to go through a rebuild, and it seems that will be the direction the Lions are going. Goff is going from a contending team, to a team with low exceptions and no good shot at a playoff berth. It is uncertain how good of a Head Coach Dan Cambell is and leaving McVay’s system will be difficult for Goff.
Teams Trading For Deshaun Watson – I don’t think it is any argument that Deshaun Watson is better than Matthew Stafford. So, if Stafford is worth what the Rams gave up, what is Watson worth? While speculation leads us to believe the Stafford deal won’t impact the asking price for the Houston QB, I’m not buying that. A team is going to have to give up their right arm for Watson now.
Indianapolis Colts – After Philip Rivers’ retirement, it seemed that the Colts were the front-runners to land Stafford. Now Indianapolis finds itself in a frenzy to bring in Rivers’ replacement. The Colts were a contending team this year, and they have the youthfulness and roster to be the same next year. Not with Jacoby Brissett, though.
Who do you guys think won this trade? Give us your thoughts on this pole.
I am curious to see how both quarterbacks manage their new teams. Being a Lions fan, I would love to see Stafford succeed and also hoping Goff can potentially be the Lions’ quarterback of the future. As far as I can tell, mark this as a win for both sides.
#ThankYou9
