As precipitation continues to arrive from the blockbuster Matthew Stafford/Jared Goff trade, we have some new details about the conversations that Lions had before that. Most notably, the Panthers offered the eighth overall choice in this year’s draft, as well as a later choice, reports Albert Breer of SI.com. Many would argue that it is a better offer than the one Detroit took from the Rams, two future choices in the first round (which may be the last), a third round and Goff’s bloated contract. 
Accepting that deal would have given Lions the seventh and eighth choice in April, giving them a ton of ammunition if they wanted to go up to one of the best defenders. Clearly, they did not see Goff and his contract as a big negative, as many others do, and this offer of Matt Rhule it will probably be the one that will be most remembered when we reflect on this trade in the coming years. If nothing else, it will just show how serious Carolina is about updating Teddy Bridgewater, and we hear that they are preparing for an aggressive race in Deshaun Watson.
Washington offered the 19th choice in April, as well as a selection from the third round, writes Breer. The Colts discussed packages of choices, but never made an offer that included this year’s first round, the 21st choice. Although the 49ers showed some interest, they never made a formal offer, which accompanies them being content to post it back. Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Broncos also showed interest, but Breer says it was clear early on that the price was rising far beyond what the new GM George Paton was willing to pay. The Patriots were willing to pack a second round with a defensive player, although that was obviously not enough and Stafford apparently had no interest in going to New England and meeting with Matt Patricia anyway.
Interestingly, Breer notes that the Jets check-in on the weekend. All the other teams were closely linked to Stafford, but New York would have been a kind of wildcard. Obviously, the conversations got nowhere, but it’s remarkable to know that the Jets are at least considering rolling with a veteran passer instead of Sam Darnold or a newbie with your second general choice.
So what do you think? Are Lions foolish for not choosing the eighth choice and running with it, or will Goff prove that some people are wrong?