Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 4:00pm

STAFFORD SENT TO THE RAMS!

The Los Angeles Rams acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions for quarterback Jared Goff, a third-round draft pick in 2021, a first-round draft pick in 2022 and a first-round draft pick in 2023.

What does it give the Los Angeles Rams
There were plenty of rumors about how Rams head coach Sean McVay had soured on quarterback Jared Goff over the course of the 2020 campaign, so this move should not come as too much of a surprise. In Stafford, Los Angeles gets a clear upgrade at quarterback (albeit one with some injury risk and advancing age). The Rams believe they have the goods to win it all in 2021, so the arrival of Stafford should help in that regard. The price to obtain Stafford (and to offload Goff) was rather steep.

What does it give the Detroit Lions
The Lions are basically starting anew in 2021, with a new GM (Brad Holmes), a new coaching staff led by head man Dan Campbell and a new offense led by Goff. Detroit figures to struggle this season, but the extra first-rounders in both '22 and '23 should help with the rebuilding plan. The jury is out on whether Goff can take another step up in his development, but perhaps being on a rebuilding team (as opposed to a Super Bowl contender) can help him find his form. This move helps both teams in different ways.

Fantasy impact
Stafford's fantasy value should be much higher with the move from Detroit to LA, while Goff's is headed in the opposite direction. Draft Stafford among the first 10 QBs in most leagues, while Goff should only be a late-round consideration in deeper formats (or leagues that feature two starting QB positions).

Player focus

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford QB

Detroit Lions

Jared Goff QB

a third-round draft pick in 2021

a first-round draft pick in 2022

a first-round draft pick in 2023