The trade was unusual in nearly every sense.

When the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams completed their agreement back in January 2021, deals involving two starting quarterbacks going in opposite directions were almost unheard of. It was essentially Matthew Stafford swapped for Jared Goff, with additional draft compensation attached.

Now, more than four years later, the outcome looks remarkable for both sides.

Detroit used the draft capital from the trade to eventually acquire Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and a handful of defensive contributors after making several follow-up moves. Those assets accelerated the Lions’ rebuilding plans and helped reshape the roster.

But making the trade also meant parting ways with a long-time cornerstone of the franchise.

Fortunately for Detroit, Goff has developed into a stronger and more reliable quarterback during his tenure there, validating their choice. Pairing that with the emergence of Gibbs, LaPorta, and Williams has turned the deal into a major win for the organization.

On the other side, Stafford delivered exactly what the Rams were hoping for, guiding them to a Super Bowl title in his very first year—an achievement that speaks for itself and can’t be replicated by draft picks alone.