Jared Goff is opening up about his feelings regarding the trade that took him from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions in 2021, expressing ongoing dissatisfaction with the way the situation unfolded. In the second season premiere of Netflix’s documentary series “Quarterback,” Goff described the trade as a “blindside,” revealing he received no prior warning about the move from Rams head coach Sean McVay or general manager Les Snead.
Goff criticized the Rams for the lack of communication surrounding his departure, stating that he felt betrayed, especially given that the trade details emerged on social media just moments after his phone call with McVay. He emphasized the importance of having a mature conversation regarding the possibility of being traded, which he felt was sorely lacking: “You wish that it wasn’t such a blindside and that there was some sort of maturity… to let me know what was going on.”
However, it’s argued that Goff likely sensed the potential for a trade. He had been benched for John Wolford towards the end of the 2020 season and only regained his starting position during the playoffs due to an injury. His performance that year had raised questions about his position within the team, suggesting he might have been aware that changes were being considered.
Historical context suggests that Goff’s situation isn’t unique in the NFL, as other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield faced similar abrupt transitions. The Rams ultimately sought to enhance their roster by trading for Matthew Stafford, a decision that would lead to their first Super Bowl victory as the Los Angeles Rams.
While Goff’s initial reaction to the trade was one of disappointment, it also highlights the competitive nature of professional sports and the constant evaluation of players’ performances. As both Goff and the Rams moved on, there is an opportunity for continued growth and success in their respective futures. Goff appears to be in a position to leverage his experiences and lead the Lions in a fresh chapter of his career.