Nearly half a decade after the blockbuster quarterback swap between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, the deal is still one of the most dissected moves in recent NFL memory. And now Matthew Stafford — currently in the thick of the MVP race with the Rams — has given his own assessment of how it turned out.

Appearing on Let’s Go with Jim Gray on SiriusXM, Stafford said what many have come to realize: both franchises came away with exactly what they needed.

Stafford: “Both teams ended up successful.”

When Gray suggested that the trade was a win for both sides, Stafford didn’t hesitate to confirm it.

“I’m obviously thrilled to be where I am, and the Lions have made great use of the picks and players they got from that trade,” Stafford told the Detroit Free Press.

He added that Detroit is operating at a level the franchise hasn’t seen in years, noting that the deal seems to have produced “two successful teams” and that each side gained what it was hoping to achieve.

For Lions fans who watched Stafford scrap through 12 seasons with often-limited supporting casts, his recognition of Detroit’s resurgence carries weight. The organization transformed those trade assets into critical young talent — while Stafford delivered an immediate Super Bowl run in Los Angeles.

It’s the rare scenario where both sides truly walk away satisfied.

Looking Back on Detroit: “I wouldn’t trade those 12 years for anything.”

Gray also asked Stafford to reflect on his time in Detroit, and his response was heartfelt.

He said he learned invaluable lessons — about himself, about the league, and about pushing through adversity. All four of his children were born in Michigan, and he mentioned he still maintains relationships inside the Lions organization.

Leaving wasn’t easy, he admitted, but he’s grateful for both chapters of his career: “It was a tough choice, but I love where I am now. I’m having so much fun playing, and I wouldn’t change those 12 years for anything.”

How Detroit Leveraged the Trade to Rebuild Its Core

After the 2020 season, the Lions quietly honored Stafford’s request for a move, handling the transition without drama. What followed became the blueprint for the franchise’s modern revival.

Using the Rams’ draft capital, Detroit ended up with:

Jameson Williams — No. 12 pick in 2022

Jahmyr Gibbs — No. 12 pick in 2023

Sam LaPorta — No. 34 pick in 2023

Those players have developed into foundational pieces, powering Detroit’s 15–2 breakout campaign and helping establish the team as one of the NFC’s most promising young contenders.

The picks also gave GM Brad Holmes the flexibility to reshape Detroit’s entire roster.

On the other side, Stafford received the fresh start he’d hoped for — and immediately rewarded the Rams with a championship.