The Los Angeles Rams ended up emerging as the team that won the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes on Saturday night, starting a storm on social media. But before the Rams landed Stafford from the Detroit Lions, the San Francisco 49ers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Indianapolis Colts all expressed interest in the veteran quarterback, per Peter King of NBC Sports.
Carolina was very interested in Stafford, and competed for him. Denver too. Indy and SF as well. The Rams had to pay more than they wanted (obviously).
— Peter King (@peter_king) January 31, 2021
In the end, it was Los Angeles who acquired Stafford in exchange for two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and Jared Goff. While the 49ers, Panthers, and the Colts all wanted Stafford as their quarterback, they likely thought the price was too steep for the soon-to-be 33-year-old quarterback.
The Denver Broncos also spoke to the Lions about possibly acquiring Matthew Stafford, offering Drew Lock in the trade. However, Detroit decided to do business with Los Angeles, giving Sean McVay the quarterback he wanted this offseason.
For the 49ers, similar to the Rams, they believe they've reached their ceiling with Jimmy Garoppolo, and they believe it's time to upgrade at the position. As for the Panthers, they weren't content with how Teddy Bridgewater performed in 2020, making it a possibility they add a quarterback this offseason.
Lastly, the Colts believe they are a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender following the retirement of Philip Rivers. If the season were to begin today, Indianapolis would be stuck starting either Jacoby Brissett or Jacob Eason under center.
Even though none of the teams were able to outbid the Rams for Matthew Stafford, it's clear that the 49ers, Panthers, Broncos, and the Colts are all interested in making a move at quarterback.
Maybe all of them could begin working toward making a deal for Deshaun Watson, who the Houston Texans are reluctant to move on from yet.
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