Winners and Losers of the Matthew Stafford Trade

Winners and Losers of the Matthew Stafford Trade

Last week the Los Angeles Rams won the bidding war between 6 teams for the respected Lions veteran Matthew Stafford. As latecomers into the race, they managed to pull off a blockbuster trade that landed them an arguably top 10 quarterback in the league. Though they acquired Stafford, many believe that the Rams are still on the losing end of the trade. They gave up 2 future first round picks (in 2022 and 2023), a future third round pick, and Jared Goff for one player. Let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers of the first blockbuster deal in the 2021 NFL offseason.

Winner: Detroit Lions

The Lions were in heavy trade talks for about a week and a half for their star quarterback, and they got the best deal they could’ve asked for. Getting 2 first round picks and a future third for Matthew Stafford is a big win, and it could help set their future up perfectly. With another high draft pick this year(7th overall) and a new head coach, things could turn in the right direction for the Lions. The two first rounders become highly valuable as well, as this means Detroit will have 4 first round picks in 2022 and 2023, unless they trade any of them away. This could help build into their future with a new coach, and a new quarterback they might be able to rely on in a new system. They could move away from Goff, however, as they have many first round picks to do so. Drafting defensive and offensive linemen over the next 2-3 years are a priority, as well as resigning star wide receiver Kenny Golladay, which would provide their quarterback with a great weapon, whoever the quarterback may be.

Loser: Jared Goff

Jared Goff’s rise to stardom took a major tumble in the 2019 regular season, as he led the previous NFC Champions to only a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs. After being an MVP candidate and one of the most improved players a couple years ago, Goff must prove his talents once again in a new location, Detroit. In a city that has never felt the glory of a Super Bowl title, it will be tough for Goff to assume the role that many thought he would do with McVay. This season, Goff threw for only 20 touchdowns, while throwing 13 picks and fumbling 7 times. The situation couldn’t have been more perfect for him either, as he had the top ranked defense in the league, a dynamic receiving corps with Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, and a strong rushing attack with promising rookie Cam Akers, yet Goff was unable to capitalize. A trade to Detroit would make it seem like Goff has to start over again, and gain the confidence of his coach to be able to be trusted to make another playoff run.

Winner: Sean McVay

Arguably one of the most innovative coaches in today’s game, Sean McVay clearly won this massive trade. With Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald, probably their 2 best defensive players, both extending their contracts, Mcvay doesn’t need to worry about a lack of defensive ability. The only position that was really holding them back in the 2020 season was quarterback, as teams were able to figure out Goff and give him trouble. However, McVay has now been given Matthew Stafford, instead of just a mere game manager. This opens up Sean McVay’s offense even more, as he now has a veteran quarterback who knows all the tricks of the game, which could help lead them back to the Super Bowl. This gives McVay his best chance at the Super Bowl, as the Rams’ offense becomes even more dangerous with a dangerous rushing and passing attack.

Loser: The Rams’ Future

As mentioned before, the Lions got a haul for Stafford with 2 future first rounders and a third rounder. The Los Angeles Rams have not had a first round pick since 2016, when they selected Jared Goff as the number 1 overall pick, and they will not have a first round pick until the year 2024. Obviously, the Rams want to win now. However, as young players like Akers and Van Jefferson develop, they won’t be very pleased if the Rams don’t have much of a future. With the Chiefs and the Bills dominating, as well as a brutal NFC West division, it looks tough for a team like the Rams to win the Super Bowl even once. They are likely to come out of the NFC, but that doesn’t compensate for the lost picks. They might be down at the bottom of the NFL again in just a couple of years.

Winner: Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford finally has a chance at making the playoffs again. Forget the playoffs--he even has a chance to win the whole thing with McVay and the Rams. After spending years in a terrible Detroit Lions organization, Stafford is finally out and away from the cold, as well as the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Although the quarterback situation in the NFC West might be tougher than in the NFC North, Stafford finally has a competent team around him that could help him win. Detroit barely gave Stafford any help, as they had a practically non-existent defense and a terrible offensive line. With Stafford being 32 and not wanting to go through another rebuild, the Rams are a perfect destination for him. A great receiving game and rushing attack, along with a great defense, is a recipe for success. Adding a top 10 quarterback makes the Super Bowl likely with this team. Although anything less than a Super Bowl victory would make this trade feel like a bust for the Rams, it is still very exciting to see Stafford play for a franchise that could surround him with weapons and an opportunity to win it all.