Almost five years later, the Matthew Stafford–Jared Goff blockbuster trade is still one of the most talked-about deals in modern NFL history. And now, one of the quarterbacks involved has given his own verdict.
During a recent appearance on Let’s Go with Jim Gray on SiriusXM, Matthew Stafford—now an MVP candidate with the Los Angeles Rams—said both the Rams and Detroit Lions came out winners.
And honestly? It’s hard to argue with him.
Stafford: “Two successful teams… both sides got what they were looking for.”
Gray pitched the idea that the trade benefited both franchises, and Stafford didn’t hesitate to agree.
“Obviously I’m happy to be where I am, and I feel like the Lions obviously have capitalized on a lot of the picks and players that they were able to acquire in that trade,” Stafford said as quoted by the Detroit Free Press.
“Their franchise is as good as it’s been ever in the last handful of years… two successful teams… it looks like one that both sides got kind of what they were looking for out of it.”
For Lions fans who watched Stafford battle through 12 seasons, often without postseason-caliber rosters around him, it’s meaningful to hear him acknowledge Detroit’s rise. The Lions have turned those picks into foundational roster pieces, while Stafford immediately delivered a Super Bowl to Los Angeles.
That’s the rarest kind of trade: one where everyone actually wins.
Stafford Reflects on Detroit: “I wouldn’t change those 12 years for anything.”
Gray also asked Stafford about his time in Detroit, and his answer was emotional, sincere, and full of gratitude.
“I learned so much about myself. I learned so much about NFL football, tough times, getting through things… My entire family, all four of my kids were born there.”
He even noted that he still has friends in the building and thinks about Detroit often.
“Tough decision to leave… but I love where I am now. I’m having a blast playing football, but I wouldn’t change those 12 years there for anything.”
There’s no bitterness, no regrets, just mutual respect between a quarterback and the city that shaped him.
How the Lions Capitalized on the Trade
Detroit quietly granted Stafford’s trade request after the 2020 season, keeping it under wraps to avoid a messy rebuild. What came next laid the foundation for the franchise’s modern transformation.
Through the Rams’ draft picks, the Lions landed:
Jameson Williams — No. 12 overall (2022)
Jahmyr Gibbs — No. 12 overall (2023)
Sam LaPorta — No. 34 overall (2023)
Those three players are now cornerstones of Detroit’s offense, and were instrumental in the Lions’ 15–2 season last year and their emergence as one of the NFC’s top young teams.
The trade also helped Brad Holmes maneuver the draft board to reshape the roster into what we see today.
Meanwhile, Stafford got the fresh start he wanted… and delivered a Lombardi Trophy in Year 1.
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