Now that the 2023 NFL draft has wrapped up, all the pieces that were traded in the 2021 trade for Super Bowl champion quarterback Matthew Stafford have come to light. Looking back on the trade, the L.A. Rams gave up quite the haul in order to secure the services of the franchise signal caller, though it’s unlikely they would take anything back given the Lombardi in their trophy case.
The Detroit Lions likely see it as fair game as well. They were not on the cusp of a championship, and potentially have put together the pieces to compete for the next decade thanks in part to the trade. Though they may not have found a franchise quarterback, Jared Goff has been serviceable, and the talent surrounding him could lift them into a deep playoff run.
Let’s take a look at everything the Lions landed from the draft picks involved in the trade of their former franchise quarterback:
-Wide receiver Jameson Williams
-Defensive lineman Josh Pascal
-Defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu
-Running back Jahmy Gibbs
-Tight end Sam LaPorta
-Defensive lineman Brodric Martin
Looking back on the trade, it’s hard to argue either team really lost here. The Super Bowl ring on Sean McVay’s finger automatically seals the A+ grade for the Rams, and there is zero doubt it was a success.
Detroit has a bright future on both sides of the ball, with explosive playmakers that will mold the offense for years to come, and a stacked group of defensive linemen will make the lives of quarterbacks very hard in the near future.
It’s a rare win-win trade for both of these storied franchises, and the Lions hope to achieve similar success as their departed signal caller by bringing the first Lombardi trophy to Detroit.
