In a perfect world for the Detroit Lions, they would have won the title of defensive player of the year in the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles. The first player that Lions asked the Rams was Aaron Donald before Los Angeles quickly rejected that idea, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Although they did not stay with Donald, the Lions got quarterback Jared Goff, two future choices for the first round and one choice for the third round in 2021 for Stafford. Stafford will now be Donald’s teammate, who on Saturday night received his third Defensive Player of the Year award since 2017. An All-Pro for the sixth consecutive year in 2020, Donald recorded 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 14 tackles for defeat.
The Carolina Panthers offered choice number 8 overall, a choice from the fifth round and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in exchange for Stafford, according to Schefter. The Lions ended up choosing to accept the Rams’ offer, and the Panthers are still looking to make a change in the quarterback. In 15 games last season, Bridgewater completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,733 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 2020 Art Rooney Sports Award winner Bridgewater also ran for five touchdowns during his first season in Carolina.
Carolina has several other options on the market. Reports have emerged that the Eagles should negotiate Carson Wentz shortly after the Super Bowl LV. Wentz, 28, had 35-32-1 during his five seasons as the Eagles’ full-back. A Pro Bowler in 2017, the injuries hurt Wentz during the first half of that season and at the end of the 2018 season. And although he has managed to stay healthy for the past two years, Wentz’s performance on the field has fallen short. In 2020, Wentz launched 15 interceptions, the league record, and completed just 57.4% of his passes. A fresh start, however, may be all Wentz needs to revive his career.
Panthers may have to be patient if they are to have a chance to acquire Deshaun Watson. On Sunday, reports emerged that Texans have no current plans to trade Watson, despite his recent exchange request.