Now-Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was reportedly willing to be traded anywhere but the New England Patriots.
The allure of the “Patriot Way” seems to have evaporated.
Now-Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was willing to be traded to any NFL team other than the New England Patriots, per NBC Boston’s Tom E. Curran.
Stafford, 32, was sent to the Rams for Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick and a 2023 first-round selection on Sunday. Along with the New York Jets, Bill Belichick‘s football team also figured to be in on the Stafford action.
We obviously now know the Pats had no chance to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in 2009—if the recent report is true. (Curran’s source is said to be an individual whose organization was also in on the Stafford trade talks.)
New England’s abysmal offense finished 27th in total offense this past season. Cam Newton struggled to throw the ball downfield and finished with just 1,657 yards and eight touchdowns to 10 interceptions in 15 games.
Stafford made all the sense in the world for the Pats. Why he flat-out rejected them as an option remains a mystery.
Perhaps it dealt with the Patriots rebuilding perception. Without much at wide receiver or tight end, the Pats have a long way to go before they get back to Super Bowl-caliber offense.
Remember, Matt Patricia coached Stafford for close to three full seasons in Detroit. Patricia is a former Belichick disciple and has since returned to New England after his firing by the Lions.
Perhaps Patricia fits into the conversation somewhere. In any event, Stafford is in Los Angeles, Patricia is back in New England and Tom Brady is preparing for his 10th Super Bowl.
