Report: Stafford to Rams in blockbuster
Los Angeles sending Goff, 2 1st-round picks
LOS ANGELES — The Detroit Lions are trading quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff, two future first-round picks and a third-round pick, a person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday night because the deal has not been completed. ESPN first reported the swap, which will include the Rams’ first-round picks in 2022 and 2023, along with their third-round pick this year.
The blockbuster trade of two starting quarterbacks and former No. 1 overall draft picks will provide a change of scenery for two players who probably need it.
Stafford asked for a trade shortly after the season ended with the Lions’ third straight double-digit losing mark. He has been one of the NFL’s most prolific QBs during his 12-year career, all spent in Detroit, but has not won a playoff game.
Meanwhile, the Rams’ coaching staff and front office have publicly expressed a clear loss of confidence in Goff in recent weeks, even after Los Angeles earned its third playoff berth and posted its fourth straight winning record during his four years under coach Sean McVay. Goff also led the Rams to the Super Bowl after the 2018 season.
Stafford, who turns 33 in February, has two years left on a $135 million, five-year contract.
The Lions had several offers for Stafford, and they all included firstround picks, according to another person with direct knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because those details were not announced.
Stafford was made aware of the teams who wanted to acquire him, and the Rams were one of the franchises he was excited about potentially joining, according to the person.
The familiarity of these two franchises’ front offices likely helped the difficult deal: New Detroit GM Brad Holmes just left his job as the Rams’ director of college scouting.
Indianapolis, Washington and San Francisco were among several teams believed to have expressed serious interest in acquiring Stafford.