Patriots rumors: Matthew Stafford blockbuster changes the QB game
A potential New England Patriots target at quarterback for 2021 is off the board.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport was one of the first to announce Saturday night that the Detroit Lions are sending veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and draft picks that include a 2021 third-round and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023.
This blockbuster deal certainly shakes up the quarterback carousel that is expected to dominant the NFL offseason and will obviously send the Patriots in another direction as they were rumored to be one of the teams interested in Stafford.
But were they one of the teams that offered a 2021 first-round pick?
As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, there were multiple teams offered a first- round pick in 2021 for Stafford, but the Rams obviously had the best package as they were able to send an established quarterback in exchange.
Live on @nflnetwork breaking down tonight's monster trade that sends to Matthew Stafford to the #Rams and two first-round draft picks, a third-round pick and Jared Goff (and his contract) to the #Lions. pic.twitter.com/u3KACNjfr2
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 31, 2021
Speaking of Goff, the Lions will now take on the four years and $106.6 M remaining on his contract. It was the weight of taking on that contract that that forced the hand of the Rams to give up the additional first-round picks.
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In all, just not a price the Patriots were going to pay for a 32-year-old quarterback who doesn’t have much playoff experience on his resume despite the talent.
Where do the New England Patriots turn with Stafford off the board?
The dream of acquiring Deshaun Watson is still on the board, despite new Houston Texans GM and former Patriots executive Nick Caserio saying the team has no plans on trading Watson.
Given the interest in Stafford, many teams may either be buying what the Texans are spewing or believe the price will be too steep for a player like Watson.
Again, the Patriots would be in that category given the immediate needs they have in other positions.
Unless they give Cam Newton another shot to lead the offense, the obvious target is Jimmy Garoppolo or the Patriots could kick the tires on Carson Wentz as the Philadelphia Eagles will have a quarterback dilemma on their hands this offseason with the emergence of Jalen Hurts.
In free agency, Andy Dalton, Mitchell Trubisky and Jacoby Brissett lead a pack of affordable quarterbacks on the market. Although none of those names would make the New England Patriots a Super Bowl contender, one of those quarterbacks would be serviceable if the team drafts a quarterback high in the 2021 NFL Draft.
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In any event, Matthew Stafford is off the board early. At least it gives New England time to switch up their game plan.