The Los Angeles Rams are usually considered the winners of the 2021 swap with the Detroit Lions of then-franchise QB Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford—mostly because Stafford got them over the hump and helped lead the way to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
But things aren’t all bad for Detroit, and a once oft-maligned franchise is on a significant upswing. Goff thrived last season with over 4,400 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He’s now surrounded by one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, a running back room that includes a relatively big free agent signing (David Montgomery) and a first round draft choice (Jahmyr Gibbs), and a developing but talented WR corps.