Welcome to The Aftermath, a new series where we look back on old trades and see how they affected teams involved, years later. For Part 1, we will take a look into the Rams and Lions QB swap of two former #1 overall picks.
The Trade
LAR Receives: QB Matthew Stafford
DET Receives: QB Jared Goff, '21 3rd Round Pick, '22 1st Round Pick, '23 First Round Pick
The Reason
Both QBs just weren't working for their teams. Matthew Stafford was the victim of many horrible Lions teams, never making a run in the playoffs, and although he loved Detroit, it was clear that it was his time to go. As for Goff, he was unable to fulfill the big expectations set for him as the #1 pick. Despite taking the Rams to the Super Bowl, his lackluster performance their made the fans and organization eager for a switch, and that they did. In the 2021 offseason, the Rams and Lions made the biggest move of the offseason, trading QBs as each team was on a different path.
The Outcome
In Year 1 after the trade, both teams - as expected - went in completely different directions. The Rams made it back to the Super Bowl, winning it this time, and Matthew Stafford was a huge part in the emergence of Cooper Kupp. Pair that with OBJ and Robert Woods, and it's no wonder this team took home the Lombardi.
Meanwhile, Goff and the Lions, paired with new Head Coach Dan Campbell, had a rough go. They would get their first win together after the midseason mark and ultimately end up with the #2 overall pick (later used on Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson). Out of this terrible season, however, came a huge bright spot in late-round rookie WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. His and Goff's connection was strong, and has only grown since.
Season 2 is an interesting one to disect. The Rams came off looking sluggish, very much suffering from a Super Bowl Hangover, while the Lions improved in both facets of the game, inching closer to a playoff appearance but still not there thanks to a Seahawks late season win. Cooper Kupp continued to pkay well, although not as dominant as the year before, but Matthew Stafford struggled and was on and off the field with injuries. All this combined with inconsistent running back play led to the Rams missing the playoffs (and it wasn't close), giving their pick to the Lions thanks to the trade.
Both teams improved, however, in year 3, with each making the playoffs and Matthew Stafford playing better, while Jared Goff continued to elevate his connection with St. Brown and remained steady turnover-wise. For both QBs, the season was like a breath of fresh hair. Goff learned that he could truly find success with a new team, and Stafford was reassured that he still had a little bit left in the tank.
While neither squad was able to go all the way this year, they both had succesful seasons that could easily be built off of, which I'm sure was a main goal of each team.
The Winner
The Rams got a Super Bowl, the Lions got a young core that could lead to Super Bowls and were able to best LA in the playoffs this season. That is what both teams really got out of the trade, and while the Rams core could be fading, I am going to take the sure Lombardi trophy over the chance of more. In my mind, this trade goes to the Rams, even though that could change in the very near future.
Eli Knight
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