Despite getting interest from multiple teams, the Los Angeles Rams eventually won the Matthew Stafford Sweepstakes. It took two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and starting quarterback Jared Goff to pry Stafford from the Detroit Lions.
It is clear Rams head coach Sean McVay thought it was a gamble worth taking, as he wasted no time establishing a connection with his new quarterback even during the team’s offseason.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated’s The MMQB, McVay and Stafford had dinner in Los Cabos, Mexico to celebrate the trade even as the rest of the NFL found out about the blockbuster deal. Also present at the dinner were McVay’s fiancée Veronika and Stafford’s wife Kelly.
The coach and quarterback had dinner to celebrate a new start as the Rams moved on from Goff, who they drafted with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old had two Pro Bowl selections during his time in Los Angeles and helped the team reach Super Bowl 53, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
But the Rams wanted a new quarterback under center and found one in Stafford. The first overall pick of the 2009 Draft was a one-time Pro Bowler and was named the 2011 NFL Comeback Player of the Year during his 12 seasons with the Lions.
McVay and Stafford will work closely once Los Angeles begins preparing for the next season. However, their early connection while on vacation is an encouraging sign and will help set the tone for a Rams season with great expectations.