Several weeks before the Panthers acquired Sam Darnold from the Jets, they had a deal “on the verge of happening” with the Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, NFL Network reported Sunday.
Stafford ultimately blocked that potential trade and “steered himself” to Los Angeles, where he will make his first start Sunday night for the Rams against the Bears.
The Rams agreed to acquire the 33-year-old Stafford for quarterback Jared Goff and three draft picks on Jan. 30, but only after the Panthers had “jumped to the forefront” and “neared a deal” with an offer of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and a first-round pick, according to the report.
In April, the Panthers acquired Darnold from the Jets – who will be his first opponent Sunday in Carolina — and dealt Bridgewater to the Broncos. The Jets did not make a formal offer for Stafford before they selected quarterback Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
Stafford, who was granted permission by the Lions to discuss a potential trade with other NFL teams, initially listed the Rams, Colts and 49ers as his top three destinations. The Broncos, Bears and the Washington Football Team reportedly also made strong offers, but Stafford and his family decided on Los Angeles.
The 13-year NFL veteran reportedly “ran into” Rams coach Sean McVay in Mexico before that deal was struck.
Stafford, the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, threw for 4,084 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the 5-11 Lions last season. He is 0-3 in three career postseason games, with no appearances since 2016.