The Washington Football Team made a “significant” offer for quarterback Matthew Stafford before the Detroit Lions shipped him to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, according to multiple reports.
The Lions received two first-round picks, a third-rounder and quarterback Jared Goff — a package they deemed the best offer available. It is unknown precisely what Washington offered, but The Athletic’s Ben Standig reported that the package offered more “immediate help” for Detroit. The Rams’ sent their 2022 and 2023 first rounders to Detroit as Los Angeles owes this year’s first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The NFL Network reported that as many as eight teams had submitted an offer to Detroit. Othe reports indicate that those teams included the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
Washington is in the market for a new quarterback this offseason, hoping to acquire someone who can help them take the next step. The team surprisingly made the playoffs at 7-9 and with a young nucleus in place, Washington’s window to compete appears now. Washington used four quarterbacks in 2020 and coach Ron Rivera admitted they will have to address the position in them months ahead.
Stafford was thought to be a logical option for Washington given the team recently hired general manager Martin Mayhew, the executive who drafted Stafford first overall in 2009. Stafford, who turns 33 next week, has been one of the league’s most prolific passers since entering the NFL and his arm-strength would have been appealing.
Washington holds the 19th pick in this year’s draft. The NFL Network added that multiple teams were willing to give up their first-round pick in exchange for Stafford.
But in the end, the Lions traded Stafford to the Rams, the quarterback’s reportedly preferred destination as he’ll be paired with coach Sean McVay. The Rams paid a heavy price: The franchise was not just paying to acquire Stafford, but also to get rid of Goff’s four-year, $134 million contract.
NFL insider Josina Anderson tweeted that one league insider believes Washington’s offer was better.
League source gives opinion on #Lions decision to take the #Rams deal for Matthew Stafford: “The Rams were screwed with a bad contract on (Jared) Goff and the #Lions helped them and don’t even get a good pick this year. The Washington offer was better.”
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 31, 2021
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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