Long time Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two future first round picks , a third round pick and former number 1 overall pick Jared Goff as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter Saturday night.
The move comes as Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead was non-committal to Jared Goff as quarterback of the team when asked about the future of the team on Tuesday. Stating “Not going to get into specifics on those. That’s the beautiful mystery of the future.” As well as “Jared Goff is a Ram at this moment. It’s way too early to speculate.” This comes almost a 2 weeks removed from Rams head coach Sean McVay seemingly echoing the same sentiment heard from Snead, “Yeah he’s the quarterback, right now.”
The Lions had a similar plan regarding Matthew Stafford with the Lions and Stafford actively seeking a new home for the veteran signal caller. The Lions’ new head coach Dan Campbell stated earlier today that trade dealings regarding Stafford were “hot and heavy right now.” Stafford is just 32 years old and has two years remaining on his contract, which will see him owed $43 million. Stafford figures to represent a significant upgrade over Jared Goff in 2021, with the Rams hoping to improve upon their 9-7 record and exit in the divisional round of the playoffs.
The Lions have the larger task of a full scale rebuild to face under Campbell. Two future first rounders, a third and a former number 1 overall pick can give their rebuild a potential shot in the arm.
Goff has taken steps back each year since the Ram’s 2018 Super Bowl appearance and his last Pro Bowl selection. Heading into year 6 on the job in Los Angeles, Goff is now on the way out. The Rams were a playoff team this year and the team has had a winning record with Goff under center every year since 2017. Goff posted a career high in completion percentage this past season. Why was he shipped out?
Goff has been increasingly turnover prone in the last two seasons. Goff has thrown 42 touchdowns to 29 interceptions in the past two seasons combined. Tack on an extra 17 turnovers if you count fumbles as well. McVay echoed this sentiment and called on Goff to be better in this aspect of his game. “Our quarterback has to take better care of the football.”
Goff will be in a much different role in Detroit. He won’t be under as much scrutiny as he was in L.A. and will get to work under Anthony Lynn as offensive coordinator who jumpstarted rookie standout Justin Herbert’s career in the same city where Goff used to reign. Both quarterbacks get a fresh start in their new cities.
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