Jared Goff was drafted first overall in 2016 to be the face of the Rams for many years to come – and after the team signed him to four-year extension in 2019, it seemed he would be around for the long haul. But just 16 months after that $134 million deal was signed, the Rams shipped him to the Lions in a package that landed them Matthew Stafford.
The Rams made it clear that Goff wasn’t on stable ground after the 2020 season ended, with Sean McVay saying “he’s the quarterback right now.” And apparently, “right now” meant for the next two weeks.
But according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network, Goff had a trade market and he wasn’t just an add-on in the deal for Stafford. Multiple teams called the Rams about Goff, showing interest in trading for the 26-year-old quarterback.
I’ve spoken to multiple teams this morning who made calls TO the Rams in regards to Goff, too. This wasn’t some throw-in. The Lions wanted him. He had a market. Around NFL, Goff is regarded well. 25, multiple playoff wins, beat Brees and Wilson in their buildings in postseason.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 31, 2021
The Rams ultimately decided to trade him to the Lions, along with two first-round picks and a third-round selection. Landing Stafford probably would’ve been difficult without including Goff, considering the Rams don’t have a first-round pick in 2021 that they could’ve sent Detroit.
Goff will get a fresh start on a team that is also undergoing a facelift with Dan Campbell stepping in as the head coach and former Rams executive Brad Holmes taking over as the general manager. He still has four years left on his contract, which is plenty of time to show his worth in Detroit.
