The Rams pulled off a weekend blockbuster, acquiring Matthew Stafford from the Lions in exchange for Jared Goff and a sizable draft haul. And, after escaping Goff’s monster contract, the Rams and Stafford agreed to keep the veteran’s contract as-is (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). 
Stafford has two years and $43MM to go on his deal, and that’s how it’ll stay, even though the market has advanced since he last put pen to paper. For the soon-to-be 33-year-old, finding the best possible fit was more important than money, Rapoport hears.
That’s not to say that the Rams are viewing Stafford as a short-term option. Stafford’s coming off of a solid individual season that included nearly 4,100 passing yards with 26 touchdowns versus ten interceptions. Even at his advanced age, it’s clear that he has plenty left in the tank. Also, the Rams will have significantly less draft capital moving forward, even if they do have an inclination to upgrade under center. Rams GM Les Snead shipped away the team’s 2022 and 2023 first-round picks to dump Goff’s deal. In total, that makes seven consecutive first-round picks traded since Goff’s selection in 2016.
Stafford leaves Detroit with the Lions’ franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns. He also leaves town with a losing record in his 165 starts. Now, he has his best chance to win in ages, and he’ll gladly do it with a below-market contract.
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