When Brad Holmes took the job to be the next GM of the Detroit Lions, he knew he would be charged with making what could end up being the biggest trade in franchise history as Matthew Stafford had already made it known that he wanted a fresh start.
Well, not only did Holmes take care of business but he landed a pair of future first-round picks, a 2021 third-round pick, and Jared Goff from the Los Angeles Rams, all in exchange for Stafford.
But, did Holmes just make his first big mistake as Lions’ GM?
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Lions had an offer on the table from the Carolina Panthers in which the Panthers were willing to give up the No. 8 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and another pick to land Stafford. One would assume that the Panthers would have also sent QB Teddy Bridgewater as part of the trade package.
Instead, Holmes (and whoever else was in on the decision) went with the Rams offer, even though the two first-round picks obtained could end up being late-round picks.
If this trade from the Panthers was on the table, and we assume it was since Breer reported it, Holmes may have just made a huge mistake.
As noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press this morning while he was on the Stoney and Jansen with Heather show on 97.1 The Ticket, getting the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 draft would have been better than the two future first-round picks because of the top-end talent that is available in the Top 10.
Nation, do you agree with Birkett? Was the Panthers reported offer actually better than what the Rams offered?
That all depends on what the other pick was. If it was a #1 next year or a #2 this year then i would say yes. Anything less then that and I think Holmes made the right choice to go with LA’s offer. I’m a bit higher on Goff then most. My feeling is if he has a solid year in Detroit, he will become a trade asset for the Lions next offseason when his contract will not be so difficult for another team to take on. Supposedly 10-15 teams were in on Stafford, my guess in 8-12 of them will still be looking to upgrade the position next offseason.