On Saturday night, quarterback Matthew Stafford finally concluded a 12-year stint with the Detroit Lions as he packed his bags and relocated to the Los Angeles Rams after he was involved in a trade. However, Ben Standig of The Athletic bared that the Washington Football Team also made a run for the veteran playmaker and even formed a package that was arguably better on-field right now than what the Rams gave to the Lions.
Washington made the Lions a significant offer for QB
Matthew Stafford, per sources. One person familiar with the situation said the WFT offer included more immediate help than what Lions landed. Detroit went another way. The search for a QB rolls on.— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 31, 2021
Despite having a more ‘significant' offer on the table, the Lions still chose to close a deal with the Rams. Detroit received 2022 and 2023 first-round picks, a 2021 third-round pick, along with quarterback Jared Goff in exchange for the services of Stafford.
Article Continues BelowLos Angeles is aiming to win now, especially with the arrival of Matthew Stafford who they think still has a lot of high-level play left in the tank. He will join a capable offense led by wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, along with a promising running back in Cam Akers at the rushing helm. The Rams also have a stifling defensive unit led by star defensive end Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey that performed as one of the best in the league in the 2020 NFL season.
Meanwhile, after failing to acquire the former Pro Bowler, the Washington Football Team will continue with their search for a starting quarterback next season. They previously parted ways with their 2019 first-round pick in Dwayne Haskins who recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team eventually concluded their 2020 campaign with Taylor Heinicke as their starter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after veteran Alex Smith was ruled out due to a calf injury. Heinicke is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021 but Smith remains under contract until the 2023 season.