Episode Details

In this live episode of The Detroit Lions Podcast, Chris, Sandman, and Jeff Risdon discuss the breaking news about the Los Angeles Rams trading Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. It’s likely the biggest trade in the NFL this offseason, and we take you through it from top to bottom.

Detroit Lions Podcast Isn’t Worried About “Muh Cap Hit”

First and foremost, it’s been pretty soundly debated in the most intelligent chat on the internet, our Detroit Lions Patreon Chat, that the salary cap is nothing more than a social construct. Ash Thompson has a great vlog where he talks about how the Lions could pretty quickly come up with about $50 million in cap space without affecting the quality of the product on the field. Definitely a great watch if you want to understand the first part about how it isn’t real. Next, we discuss what the real cost of the trade is, and how much of the Jared Goff cap considerations the LA Rams had to eat. Further, the value of those picks that we received being 5 year option players (at rookie salaries) means a sweet transition to higher caliber cheaper players over costly vets. Add in the expansion of the salary cap over the coming years, and the cap situation isn’t really even worth talking about, other than to realize it’s all fine.

Did The Lions Really Fleece The LA Rams?

Yes and no. The Lions got an excellent return for Matthew Stafford. A first round pick in each of the next two years, a third rounder this year, and an NFL starting-quality quarterback who made two Pro Bowls, won playoff games, and made it to the Super Bowl in Jared Goff is nothing to sneeze at. He’s shown the ability to win – that’s huge for the Lions as they rebuild a roster that was decimated by the previous front office. So much so that Matthews Stafford had no desire to stay. We’re going to have some rookie wide receivers this year, and working with an experienced quarterback like Jared Goff is certainly going to help. Not to mention, if Jared Goff doesn’t work out, the Lions now have options. Two first round picks in the next two years gives the Lions enough ammo to move up for each year’s version of Trevor Lawrence if they need to while still retaining the rest of their draft picks. The Lions were able to set themselves up with both options, and a great value.

The LA Rams on the other hand, just made themselves the top contender for the NFC and possibly the Super Bowl for the next two years. They haven’t had a first round pick since they took Jared Goff, but they’ve fielded highly competitive teams every year. This move takes them to the next level. This is a win for both teams – each gets exactly what they are looking for in the time they need it the most.

Big News On YouTube!

We’ve launched a new series starring a number of talented personalities you’ve seen on our shows at various times. Its new, and exciting, something I think everyone is going to enjoy. We’ve assembled a great team to deliver on this promise, so please be sure to check out the channel starting on Thursday for new,