In a perfect world for the Detroit Lions, they would have acquired the reigning defensive player of the year in trade that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles. The first player the Lions asked for the Rams was Aaron Donald before Los Angeles quickly shot down the idea, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Although they did not get Donald, the Lions did get quarterback Jared Goff, two future first-round picks and a 2021 third-round pick for Stafford. Stafford will now be teammates with Donald, who on Saturday night received his third defensive player of the year award since 2017. An All-Pro for a sixth consecutive year in 2020, Donald lost 13.5 bags, four forced fumbles and 14 tackles for losing.
The Carolina Panthers, according to Schefter, hosted overall number 8, a fifth-round pick and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, in exchange for Stafford. The Lions have finally decided to accept the Rams offer, and the Panthers are still looking for a change at quarterback. In 15 games last season, Bridgewater completed 69.1% of his passes for 3,733 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The winner of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2020, Bridgewater, also raced for five assists during his first season in Carolina.
Carolina has several other options on the market. Reports have surfaced that the Eagles are expected to trade Carson Wentz shortly after Super Bowl LV. Wentz, 28, settled for the Eagles’ starting quarterback 35-32-1 during his five seasons. A Pro Bowler in 2017 and injuries hampered Wentz during the first half of that season and at the end of the 2018 season. And while he has managed to stay healthy for the past two years, Wentz’s performance on the field has left something to be desired. In 2020, Wentz made an interception of 15 leagues and completed only 57.4% of his passes. A fresh start, however, could be all Wentz needs to revive his career.
The Panthers may need to be patient if they want a chance to acquire Deshaun Watson. On Sunday, reports surfaced that the Texans have no current plans to trade Watson, despite his recent trade request.