Despite leading the Rams to the Super Bowl, Jared Goff’s job security is now in doubt after reports surfaced about Los Angeles’ interest in Matthew Stafford. Stafford considers the Rams a “viable candidate” for their services, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Rams really explored the possibility of trading for Stafford, for Fowler.
Goff’s current contract can be a determining factor in whether or not a negotiation is possible. Goff has four years left in his $ 134 million span, with the potential to leave after the 2023 season. Former No. 1 overall, 26-year-old Goff is between 40 and 30 years old as a full-time Rams defender. He went 9-6 as a Rams starter in 2020, while helping Los Angeles return to the playoffs after a year’s absence.
About a third of the league contacted Lions to discuss a possible Stafford exchange, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lions are likely to receive at least one future choice in the first round in exchange for Stafford for Rapoport. Earlier this week, we looked at the five most likely trade adjustments for Stafford.
After 12 seasons together, Stafford and the Lions mutually agreed to part ways through the exchange. Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, who were hired earlier this month, knew before they were hired that Lions planned to negotiate Stafford, who still has two years left under his current contract. The 32-year-old quarterback is coming out of a 2020 season in which he completed 64.2% of his passes for 4,084 yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Stafford, the leader of the Lions franchise in almost all categories of career passes, was nominated for his one and only Pro Bowl in 2014. Twice NFL leader in passing attempts, Stafford is one of eight quarterbacks in league history 5,000 yards to be replaced in one season. Stafford took Lions into postseason in 2011, 2014 and 2016. Detroit lost each of its playoff games under Stafford and is still looking for its first postseason win since 1991.
Lions have been through tough times in the past three seasons. During that period, Detroit recorded a record of 14-33-1. The Lions’ lack of success led them to fire Matt Patricia with five games left in the 2020 regular season.
What can Lions receive in exchange for Stafford? Our own Cody Benjamin recently projected that a choice in the first and third rounds would be an appropriate compensation for Stafford. Chris Trapasso caused the football team to give up its choice in the first round to acquire Stafford in its latest mock draft.
Stafford is not the only established quarterback whose future is not yet known. Deshaun Watson has publicly expressed his frustration with the Texans, who have faced a tumultuous off-season that includes the controversial hiring of general manager Nick Caserio.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said on Thursday that he is willing to adjust his contract to return to the Steelers in the 2021 season. Aaron Rodgers’ somewhat enigmatic comments immediately after Green Bay’s defeat in the NFC title game to Tampa Bay led to questions about their future with the Packers. The Packers have publicly declared that Rodgers will be their quarterback in 2021.