Stafford traded to Rams

In the first blockbuster move of what figures to be an exciting offseason, the Detroit Lions have traded quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for 1st round picks in 2022 and 2023, a 3rd round pick in 2021, and fifth-year quarterback Jared Goff. The move is the first domino to fall in a QB market that is expected to be very active.

Stafford spent 12 years in Detroit and helped lead the team back to respectability. The Lions made the playoffs three times in that span yet were unable to win a playoff game. Some will say that's on Stafford, but he is honestly the only reason they were able to get there in the first place.

Goff was drafted No. 1 overall by the Rams in 2016 and took the team to a Super Bowl in the 2018-19 season. He has regressed noticeably since then, and reported friction between he and head coach Sean McVay made him available.

This trade makes sense for both teams. The Rams get an elite quarterback to make them a Super Bowl contender. They already had the league's number one defense and a myriad of weapons on offense. Now, they add an MVP caliber quarterback that can do things Goff couldn't. Stafford was massively underrated in Detroit because not many people actually watched him play. In LA, everyone should finally see what he is; an elite franchise QB.

The Lions get ammo for their rebuild and at worst a bridge quarterback. If Goff doesn't perform, Detroit can let him go without penalty in 2023. This will allow them to draft the franchise quarterback they want at the right time instead of reaching for someone with question marks. The Lions need an infusion of talent everywhere on the roster, and this trade gives them more opportunities to work with as they build a good foundation.