It took more than a month, but Matthew Stafford is finally an official member of the Los Angeles Rams. The team announced the trade on Thursday – one day after the start of the new league year – finalizing the trade that was agreed to back in late January.
The Rams traded Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick and another first-rounder in 2023 to the Lions in exchange for Stafford. It was the first blockbuster deal of the offseason, sending a clear message that the Rams are all-in again for the 2021 season.
The Rams take on the remainder of Stafford’s contract, which carries cap hits of $20 million this year and $23 million in 2022. They will also pay $22.2 million in dead money for trading Goff, though the Rams did save $12.4 million by shipping off their quarterback.
Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career in Detroit after being the first overall pick in 2009. He made the Pro Bowl once, has racked up 45,109 yards and has thrown 282 touchdown passes.
He led the Lions to the playoffs three times but is still without a postseason victory. The Rams hope that will change next season as they attempt to play Super Bowl LVI at home in Inglewood.